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ENTERTAINMENT MUSIC

many albums have you produced so far? back to studies so that it gives me a clear vision of what I am
Tutu: My favourite was the HIV/AIDS song. It really practicing at the moment.
impressed a lot of people and has made me popular in WES Nashion: What according to you is the future of music
to the extent that whenever there is an AIDS campaign, I am in South Sudan and what should musicians do to compete
always called because they now know that I have a lot of fans. favourably with other artists in Africa?
I have four albums so far and each has six songs. Tutu: For us to compete with other artists in Africa, we need
Nashion: What are your greatest and worst moments in the to go back to school so that when we meet with our colleagues
music career respectively? from other parts of the world, we are able to communicate.
Tutu: We South Sudanese artists face a number of challenges Communication is very important in music to learn and share
among ourselves such as tribalism, favouritism and many more ideas. We also need to compete with musicians from other
states like Central Equatoria State to build our capacity and
learn from each other. The other thing we need to do as artists
of WES is to compose songs in Arabic since the majority listen
to Arabic songs yet most of the artists have done their songs
in the Zande language which in return don’t sale outside the
state. We have good songs which would have sold far and wide
if we did them in Arabic.
Nashion: What else do you do apart from music?
Tutu: I have a small business where I buy classic clothes and
sell in Juba and Yambio. I am also managing Centina Lodge
in Yambio. My plan is to settle my business in Yambio so I
don’t only sing.
Nashion: What are the three things Ms Tutu cannot do
without?
Tutu: Going to church every Sunday, making my hair look
very smart and spending time with my boyfriend (yet to hook).
Nashion: What is your appeal for Girl-Child Education
promotion?
Tutu: This has been the main interest and I have many songs
about the girl child education, urging the parents to take their
girls to school and more especially the mother must put it as
part of them to send and support, encourage and explain to
the girls the significance of being educated.
Ms Tutu Severino Phina uses Music to Promote Girl-Child Education
and Fight against HIV/AIDS. [Gurtong | Joseph Nashion] Nashion: Is there any other thing you would like to share?
Tutu: In the first place, I thank the Gurtong Trust for
other issues. But in WES amongst my fellow female artists, I the opportunity given to me for this interview. To fellow
haven’t observed such character. We all love each other. The
worst moment was just recently during my show where all the musicians, regardless of which state you come from, let us
music equipment got burnt. I was nervous; I had to move join hands together and stop segregation. We need to unite,
late in the night to look for a music system. All in all, my fans cooperate love one another to achieve our goals. My sincere
regards go to my fans, I love them so much and I need your
waited patiently until I performed. support. I really love they turn up always for my shows; it
Nashion: What are your dreams in the music industry? motivates me more than money.
Tutu: My major dream is to carry on in the music industry
and sing about the girl-child education. I also have to go

58 | Gurtong Focus Monthly February 2013