WAU - “Life comes down to one choice – become part of the change or part of the problem.”
For Marko Deng, known as ‘Deng Cool’, the choice was easy.
From studying and working as a market seller to music and his current, more formal, appointment as bank consultant, he always found opportunities to challenge existing structures.
What became more apparent to him throughout his journey was the power of community – of people believing in each other.
“Where I grew up, most parents want their sons to follow their footsteps and become farmers or cattle keepers. Not mine. From a very early age, my father made clear that he wanted me to pursue an education that would allow me to shape a new generation committed to bringing peace to our country,” recalls Deng.
During evenings, the oldest of three siblings would go to the market and sell whatever he could find to finance his school fees. Although often exposed to robberies and violent attacks, giving up was never an option:
“Seeing how my friends would use every opportunity they could get to foster the type of peace our country urgently needs, the thought of leaving this potential future behind simply never crossed my mind.”
Inspired by a community he felt proud to be a part of, he made the choice to turn his thoughts into songs.
What was originally meant to be a small appreciation for his fellow students, his performances at the local church on Sunday afternoons soon turned into a source of inspiration itself, this time for the communities around him.
“I am still amazed by the incredible impact music can have with regards to trauma healing and awareness raising. What starts with a few words can quickly turn into a hurricane of lyrics and sounds taking over entire communities. It’s all about finding ways to heal together.”
Healing is a key theme in his songs, albeit often disguised among other issues that one would not immediately connect.
Such as his broad portfolio of songs covering the power of sports.
“To me, sports are this wonderful and largely free tool that we as humans have discovered to find a spirit of community and release energies that don’t serve us,” shares the passionate football fan.
For now, he is spending most of his working days at a local bank in Wau to save money for youth campaigns and training retreats that he is hoping to facilitate one day.
On weekends, he started combining his two greatest passions – music and helping others – during free guitar lessons for children at the church.
“In the end, I think we, as the people of South Sudan, need to remember that connections are not just material but need to be emotional as well to overcome our divisions and shape a better future together. Be that through politics, sports, music or school.”
By Jaella Brockmann
