A Dinka song from South Sudan. The singer complains of the breakdown of the marriage arrangements made when Ajok was a baby.
O Ajok!
Ajok whom I chose when she was carried in a sling…
The Sacrifice
Two versions of a Dinka poem from South Sudan. During the time of the Mahdi, the Dinka ruler was required to sacrifice his son as proof of his loyalty. Both versions are horrified by the demand.
The old are asked about the distant past:
Ask your father about the distant past…
I Saw a Gentleman the Other Day
A Dinka song from southern Sudan, commenting in satirical fashion on the vanity and greed of the gentleman in question.
I saw a gentleman the other day:
He had coils on his lower arm…
Who Knows What the Government is Pregnant With?
A Dinka song from southern Sudan. The situation is the civil war between the Khartoum government and the Anyanya movement which began in 1958, soon after Independence. In the early stages of the war, the northern army was ruthless in responding to southern discontent.
How does the spoiling of the world come about?
Our land is closed in a prison cell!
Work Songs
A Mandari song from southern Sudan, from the days of British rule (‘Tali’ government is Mandari government, Chief Iyon being appointed by the colonial authorities). The complaints are about taxation and forced labour.
The Tali government is oppressive,
Passing its time in harsh punishment
