The Rising Stars band

Hala Faustino Roro had a conversation for The Citizen with members of a musical group and the band leader Sammy Musungu answering most of the questions. Excerpts: Christmas is approaching and that could only suggest, turning a loud tune with the Rising Stars voices, who said while being interviewed saying that South Sudan is definitely a greener pasture.
The Rising Stars how far you have reached? Or in other words what are your achievements’ records?I think the most important thing achieved in terms of fame, is winning the people and being known by them, we have gained people’s attention and of course their love for our band, so whenever they hear that we are performing somewhere they rush to come and watch us and listen to our music, and this could only indicate that we have done well and are doing well in terms of our performance both as a group and individually, we were able to win the people’s heart which is really great. More of our achievement that we are quite proud of is our ability to write and record our own songs. In addition to that we were interviewed by Miraya FM and Yambio FM and we really looking forward to be interviewed by SSTV
Where were you before heading to Juba, the capital of South Sudan?
We used to perform in Kampala UgandaWhat made you to come to South Sudan?Looking for a greener pasture.How long have you been in South Sudan?Two years.Have you found it to be a greener pasture?Definitely, otherwise we wouldn’t be here by now.
Apart from Juba, where else have you performed within South Sudan?We had performed in Yambio.How well were you received by the people of Yambio?We were well received for the very fact that it was announced by FM radio station, and they really enjoyed our performance- who knows we might even go back there as promised by the minister. When was the band formed and who are the band’s members? The band was formed in January 2009 in Kampala Uganda, our band members are Sammy Musungu, the band leader, we have two female Singers Angel Nakasi, and Ajok Emily, and two more male Singers who are Beyargo Pitsio, Pablo Scoper, plus Sammy of course the band leader, then we have Toma Anya, a Drummist, Cholo the Key Boards, Fenes Mbalanga a Guitarist, Mathe Papie, Soloist and Mathew for the Base System, plus three female dancers.
The majority of South Sudanese people are so fond of Congolese music, and I think we have quite a few performing here in Juba, so what makes you stand out? What are your unique traits?I think we are unique because wherever we perform; we like to add more spices and of course not only for our show to taste good but to feel good for the heart and pleasant for the eyes and the ears, because we do things to our best. For example if we are singing a song which is not ours, we make sure that we sing it exactly like the original version, you feel that you are hearing the original in terms of instruments, backups even the dance, we do everything to perfection and we also back it up with some drama to spice the whole thing up, besides we are not targeting those who only love Lingala music, but we also target those who love rock and roll, reggae, slow music etc.
Where are you currently performing?  Which days and from what time to what time are you performing?Currently we are performing in three different locations that is Juba Raha from 8 pm to 1 am every Friday, Nile Comfort from 8pm-2 am every Saturday and at Da Vinici every Sunday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
As you know South Sudan is a newly born nation and serious development is needed in all areas, so what do you think the role of music in this respect?I think the role of music is crucial in nation building because it is the voice of the voiceless, in terms of highlighting issues of concerns, this is where the music fits in to take their message forward, it is also a way of educating people in giving different positive messages, say like if there is a problem between couples in their married life, music could convey positive messages to them all in the hope of rescuing the negative situation and many other examples that music plays through uplifting and educative messages. It is also a good way of eradicating employment, because it could be a job in itself. Last but not least it lifts the morale of people through entertaining them after a long and stressful working day. So it is a way of nation building both by giving positive and encouraging messages and as a motivation for individuals to take the country’s development seriously.
What type of music do you play?We actually play variety of music, e.g. Lingala, South African, Rock and Roll and even Salsa, and we would love to play some local Sudanese music, and are still trying to convince local artists to give us a chance of singing some of their national songs.
South Sudan is full of talented South Sudanese artists, so if you are to extend an invitation for a dual performance, to whom will that invitation be and why?Generally, we will extend our invitation to every artist out there who is willing to accept our invitation, since we are all striving to achieve the same goal, which is making a difference to individual’s life. However our specific invitation would go to Emmanuel Kembe, WJ –King Lokwili, Silver X and Queen Z because we met them before during the launching of the First South Sudanese- Nigerian movie called ‘Salt of the nation’ and also during our launching at Nile Comfort on the 17th of July 2010 and they were very co-operative.  And for Kembe; this is a special message from Emily saying you are a music man you really know what you are doing!
In music industry there are a lot of competitions and lots of rising stars, so how do you promote your music?We would say through the different media outlets, radio stations, SSTV, and like now in the print paper, circulating fliers, in banners, word of mouth, oral announcement using Bira Bira announcing to the public going around in his car using the audio speaker etc. Additionally we do promote ourselves through our own positive behavior and attitude and listening and taking good advice on board and listen but turn a deaf ear to bad or destructive advice. Of course not forgetting the role of practice because practice makes perfect, besides having passion to what we are doing. It is equally important to make friendship with people. We would also like to take this opportunity to inform the public that we are available to perform in weddings, birthday parties and any other social and official events and functions e.g. diplomat receptions etc.
As you know Christmas is just round the corner, and Christmas won’t be Christmas without the sensational hot beats of African tune, so how are you preparing yourself for that?Through practicing Christmas carol, preparing some gifts for our fans, doing some Christmas drama besides more exciting songs etc.
Maybe somebody, or a group of people or a company need to have a special function during Christmas or beyond, so where and how could they contact you?This could be done through the leader of the band Sammy via the following contacts: 0959009020, 0977440002 and 0955019384 alternatively you could email: musungu_sammy@yahoo.ie or you could find us in places of our performance show
What would be your message to South Sudanese people in celebrating their first Christmas as an independent citizen in a new state?To enjoy Christmas responsibly and peacefullyTo be more united because united we stand divided we fallTo remember it is time to enjoy the peace dividend after long years of war and set goals and objectives both for short and long term plans in terms of taking the country forward. Finally, we wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year, and the Rising Star band will take this opportunity to congratulate all the people of South Sudan for achieving their independence.