Referendum: Mary Boyoi Sings for Peace

There are few things that can bring people together like good music. This is especially true deep in the tribal territories of Southern Sudan, where political and social divides often results in violent conflict.  Pact Sudan recently piloted an innovative approach to peacebuilding, supporting a concert series featuring local celebrity and singer Mary Boyoi. 

Boyoi, a Murle singer from Jonglei State held performances in Warrap and Jonglei states, in communities that rarely see positive role models for peace.   Over 4,000 Sudanese heard her message of peace and reconciliation, which encourages ordinary citizens to take responsibility for their role in the CPA (Comprehensive Peace Agreement).  To garner maximum community involvement, Boyoi trained local dancers from the surrounding communities to take part in each live show. 

A concert under most circumstances is hardly a triumph or a humanitarian victory.  But in Southern Sudan, where small problems can escalate into violent episodes, Mary's concert can be seen as a small step for peace and a big victory for open dialogue and community sharing.  Mary's concert was able to do what years of negotiation and peace talks were unable to accomplish, bringing neighboring communities together peacefully for a common cause. 

Boyoi seeks to promote education and women’s rights, discourage tribalism, and encourage people to support the peace process and implementation of the CPA through her multi-lingual lyrics.  Her recent album Referendum is a mixture of contemporary, Arabic and Murle songs and has captured the attention of fans worldwide for its messages of hope, peace and the need for reconciliation within Sudan.

As a Murle refugee from Malakal, Boyoi spent much of her youth in Ethiopia and Sudan, escaping the ongoing conflict in her home state.  It's these experiences, lessons learned from family tragedy and personal empowerment, which infuse her music with compassion and optimism that encourage listeners to become catalysts for peace.

Pact Sudan's extensive peacebuilding initiatives in Southern Sudan face a constant battle of tribal infighting and generational grievances that erupt into violent confrontations.  By involving traditional leaders in peace meetings, Pact hopes to promote collaboration and communication between neighboring tribes.