23/07/2025
The Reality in Eastern Equatoria:
Silver X Said
"We Love Funerals and Weddings More Than Our Own Artists."
People have been quick to criticize Silver X for his recent statement about Equatoria not supporting its artists. But let’s pause for a moment and speak honestly—what he said is the truth, especially when we look at Torit in particular.
Let’s be real—this is a painful reality based on the life experiences of many talented artists who came before. We’ve had very good musicians here, but where are they now?
One of our biggest problems in Torit is jealousy. As Lotuko people, many of us do not wish others well. We don’t want to see our brother rise. We pretend to support them—we act friendly—but deep down, we are just hypocrites.
We kill each other’s dreams with our attitudes. We love free things. That’s why artists in Torit rarely hold shows—sometimes only once or twice a year, if any at all. And even when they do, the support is almost non-existent.
No promoter wants to take the risk to organize a show here—because they know they won’t make any money. Just recently, someone brought in a big artist, hoping to earn something. But what happened? More people stood outside the gate than inside. They refused to pay even 2,000 SSP, let alone 5,000 SSP. The promoter was forced to let them in for free. How can anyone take that risk again?
Now, let’s go back to the main issue—lack of support for our artists. Look at the list below—these were once top names in Torit and Eastern Equatoria. Many made meaningful, trending songs. Where are they now?
Tommy Flame
Bunsen Burner
82 42
Check B
Navy Boy
Mountain Boys
King Musasi
RAV 4
Jay Miss
Yafa G
Busy B
MC Machai
Tuloro Boys
Madonita
Big Hunter
Lucky J
Ingirim
Dr. Candy
Red Chick 🐤
Dr. Lewalee Naroo
Lokol Young
Born Sinner
Caterpillar
Eastern Boy
Tangawizy
Rasta Music
Ojazzy (just recently resurrected)
Today, most of them are nowhere to be seen. Some are trapped in alcoholism, depressed and frustrated, with no direction. Born Sinner once sang powerful messages hoping to change minds, but he gave up. Why? Because no one listened.
We once saw hope in these few artists:
Check B Magic
Navy Boy Di Toughest
Tommy Flame
Bunsen Burner
Jay Miss
Yafa G
But what happened? They faded out—not because they weren’t talented, but because we failed them. Some are still around, but just there—doing nothing musically because they’ve lost hope.
Tommy Flame, for example, was supposed to be one of the biggest Lotuko artists. He created timeless music—songs we still vibe to even today. But when he got sick, no one helped. Not even a simple gesture like putting his songs as ringtones or promoting his work. We must admit it—we are not supporting our own.
OjazzyMoi recently came back with a new music style—AfroLatax—after years of being silent. He saw that there was no support, so now he sings for leisure and focuses on his job. It’s not that he doesn’t love music. He just knows music alone won’t put food on the table here.
We need to grow and be more civilized. If culture is the issue, then we must adjust the culture. After all, culture is made by people—it should serve us, not limit us. Let’s make our culture better so we can all thrive within it.
Right now, Torit has just a few artists still active and trending:
Young Boy the Best Boy
Silver X
OjazzyMoi
Eastern Boy
But even they may not survive if we don’t attend their shows, share their music, and appreciate their efforts. If we keep ignoring them, they too will disappear—and we’ll be left with nothing but funerals, weddings, and regrets.
Let’s wake up and realize that art is part of community identity. Let’s support our own while they’re still here—not when it’s too late.
Eastern Equatoria State Artist Union
Taban Oviz
✌️✌️⚡
