25/04/2025
Spotlight on L-MAS: South Sudan’s Rising Afro Fusion Sensation
L-MAS (born Luka Mamuch) is a South Sudanese singer-songwriter and record producer whose fresh fusion of R&B, soul, afrobeats and African melodies has begun turning heads around the globe. Since bursting onto the scene, he’s amassed a devoted fanbase both in the diaspora and back home, with his heartfelt vocals at the core of every track.
Early Life & Artistic Roots
Growing up in East Africa, L-MAS was immersed in African rhythms and the burgeoning Afro-R&B scene on YouTube. Inspired by both regional legends and international icons, he started writing songs in his teens, where he quickly garnered attention for his smooth voice and genre-blending flair .
Breakthrough Single: “Ci Tim”
On April 1, 2022, L-MAS released his debut single “Ci Tim”. The Official Lyrics Video racked up over 100,000 YouTube views within weeks, a remarkable feat for an independent South Sudanese artist operating outside the usual industry channels . Fans praised its catchy hook—melding soulful harmonies with a driving afrobeats groove—which quickly became a staple on community playlists.
Latest Track: “Going Down”
Following that success, he dropped “Going Down”, a daring genre-blending experiment that critics hailed for seamlessly weaving together sultry R&B vocals, afro-drum patterns, and hints of Sudanese folk melody. Early reviews noted his maturation as a vocalist and, with “Going Down” showcasing more complex arrangements and lyrical depth.
Musical Style & Influences
L-MAS’s sound is rooted in the crossroads of Afro African song forms and Western soul. He cites influences from Michael Jackson and Chris Brown, all of which he channels through his lens as a global citizen. His fashion design background also informs his art—each release is accompanied by carefully curated visuals and stage looks that nod to South Sudanese heritage.
Critical Reception & Fan Response
Though still early in his career, L-MAS has been spotlighted on local radio shows and online music blogs (e.g.,The OkayAfrica Magazine’s fan pages). He’s begun selling out small venues in Nairobi, Addis Ababa and Kampala, signaling that his appeal goes beyond his home country.
What’s Next?
Looking ahead, L-MAS is teasing collaborations with other African rising stars and plans to release an EP later this year. He’s also exploring a short tour through East Africa, with fan-driven fundraising already underway to support travel and production costs.
With his unique fusion and DIY spirit, L-MAS is one to watch as South Sudanese music leans ever more prominently into the global spotlight.
