Roots And Culture Celebration In Juba: A Vibrant Showcase Of Traditional Fabric, Art, And Poetry

By Debora Akur chol, south Sudan

The heart of South Sudan came alive over the weekend with a powerful celebration of the nation’s rich cultural heritage: “Roots and Culture Festival,” held in the capital city of Juba, in honor of the birthday of South Sudanese’ fashion designer, Gifted Blessed.

The event, which took place at Scenius Hub, drew thousands of locals, international visitors, and cultural enthusiasts eager to explore the nation’s artistic traditions from intricate textiles and vibrant paintings, to evocative spoken word performances.

The Roots and Culture Festival was more than just an exhibition of art; it was a powerful call for unity and a celebration of South Sudan’s cultural diversity.

The festival provided a space for people from different ethnic backgrounds to come together, share their traditions, and appreciate one another’s unique contributions to the nation’s cultural tapestry.

The event brought together a dynamic mix of traditional fabric, visual art, and poetry to honor the diverse histories and artistic expressions that make up the fabric of South Sudanese identity.

For many, the event was a powerful reminder of the cultural resilience and creativity embedded in the country’s fabric.

Gifted Blessed, a local artist from Juba, expressed his pride in showcasing his works under the brand Shem.

Speaking to African culture TV, he said: “These fabrics are more than just art. They are stories of our people, our struggles, and our triumphs.

“Each piece is a thread that connects us to our ancestors, and I am looking forward to blending the cultures of the sixty four tribes of South Sudan to tell the uniqueness of our cultures, especially the extraordinary bead work of the Shilluk, Dinka, Nuer and so many others.”

Meanwhile, visitors were captivated by the intricate designs of kitenge fabric, known for its bold geometric patterns, and various beadwork, which tells the stories of the wearer’s heritage.

Artists and weavers from across the country were present to demonstrate their craft, with interactive sessions that allowed attendees to witness the painstaking process behind each creation.

The festival offered a deep dive into South Sudan’s rich cultural legacy, while also celebrating the ways these traditions are evolving in contemporary times.

The designer made a collection of clothes with various traditional attires such as hoody, made of the Mundari fabric, and various clothes using local prints which were all brought at the end of the event.

However, the poetry session, dubbed “Voices of the Nation,” was another key event that resonated deeply with the audience.

Local poets and spoken word artists took to the stage to share powerful pieces that explored themes of identity, heritage, and national pride.

These performances reflected the complex histories of South Sudan’s many ethnic groups, as well as their shared experiences of resilience and hope.

Mooch Simon, a celebrated South Sudanese poet, captivated the crowd with his poem “We Are the Seed,” which speaks to the strength of South Sudanese in the face of adversity.

Through his verse, he described the indomitable spirit of South Sudanese people as they rebuilt their nation from years of conflict.

“Poetry allows us to express the pain of the past while dreaming of a better future,” Mooch said.

“It’s a tool for healing and a platform for the voices that have been silenced for so long,” he added.

Discussions held during the event focused on the importance of preserving traditional arts and crafts, while also integrating modern elements to keep them relevant in today’s world.

Local leaders and cultural advocates emphasised the need to support South Sudanese artists and creators to ensure that these traditions continue to thrive for future generations.

In her closing remarks, Rachel Hakim, a journalist, and one of the event’s organisers, expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support.

She said: “South Sudan’s strength lies in its diversity. This festival is proof that no matter our differences, we are united by our shared history and culture. It is through celebrations like these that we honor our past and build a more inclusive future.”

As the festival came to a close, the vibrant energy of Juba’s cultural scene lingered in the air, leaving attendees with a renewed sense of pride in their heritage and a deeper understanding of the powerful role art, fabric, and poetry played in shaping the national identity of South Sudan.

The event was not only a celebration of tradition but also a reminder of the hope and potential that lie in the heart of Africa’s youngest nation.