Derick Cultural Festival 2024: The Enduring Power of the Written Word

In today’s digital world, finding ways to preserve stories beyond oral history tradition is essential. However, the written words as a way to record and pass down traditions to future generations have been neglected. As a response to this crucial need, this year’s Derik Cultural Festival (DCF), which took place from 17 to 24 November 2024 at University of Juba, brought a powerful message to the forefront: ‘The Faintest Ink is More Powerful Than the Strongest Memory’, a significant theme, and its selection could not have been more timely or relevant. 

To make this celebration image perfect, Professor Taban Lo Liyong, a poet, academic and writer of fiction and literary criticism, and a beacon of intellectual and cultural insight has been recognised as the ‘Character of the Year’. His work and achievements demonstrate the irreplaceable role that writing plays in preserving and perpetuating cultural heritage. His teaching career has spanned numerous countries and prestigious institutions, including the University of Nairobi, the University of Papua New Guinea, the University of Juba, and the University of Venda in South Africa. Throughout his career, he has been a vocal advocate for education and cultural preservation. This commitment to preserving cultural heritage is evident in his collaboration with Henry Owuor-Anyumba and Ngugi wa Thiong’o in the influential 1972 essay, ‘On the Abolition of the English Department’. They argued for incorporating traditional East African knowledge systems into literary studies, demonstrating Lo Liyong’s belief in the power of language and literature to shape cultural understanding. 

Further showcasing his dedication to the written word, Lo Liyong’s own literary output is extensive. His highly imaginative short stories in Fixions (1969) and his unorthodox free verse poetry, exemplified in Franz Fanon’s Uneven Ribs (1971), demonstrate a masterful command of language and a commitment to exploring complex themes through the written word. His later work, Carrying Knowledge Up a Palm Tree (1997), continues this exploration, solidifying his place as a leading figure in African literature.

DCF has always been a dual dimensions aspect. The celebration honours both Derik Uya Alfred’s legacy and the chosen character of the year’s contributions to culture. Alfred, the former minister of culture, was a prominent artist and cultural icon who died in 2021 at the age of 58. However, this focus on cultural preservation echoes the mission of Alfred, the festival’s namesake. As managing director of Kwoto Cultural Center, Alfred championed the representation of all South Sudanese cultures, promoting unity and pride even before independence. He recognised the vital importance of connecting younger generations with their cultural heritage, enabling them to participate meaningfully in the nation’s future and contribute to healing the wounds of civil war. Alfred’s work laid the groundwork for initiatives such as DCF, which continues his legacy by promoting cultural expression and understanding by offering a platform for artists, writers, and thinkers to share their work since its establishment in 2021. The first edition was curated and directed by literary translator Yitjuok Agwet at The Renaissance Cultural Center in Juba, South Sudan.

This year’s DCF fostered a vital dialogue about the importance of preserving cultural heritage through the written word. By honouring Lo Liyong, the festival highlighted the role of writers and thinkers in shaping cultural narratives and inspiring future generations. The festival’s enduring impact lies in its ability to spark conversations and encourage active participation in documenting and celebrating South Sudanese culture.

500WM Columnist Butros Nicola Bazia, born in Khartoum, Sudan in 2001, is a South Sudanese independent writer and storyteller currently based in Juba, South Sudan. He began his content creation journey with Young Black Voice Podcast in 2022 and transitioned to creative writing in 2023, driven by a deep interest in arts, culture, and society. His work reflects resilience and creativity, even amidst the challenges posed by ongoing conflict in the region. Nicola now runs his own blog, Autide Me, and has published works in Sudans Post and 500 Words Magazine, where he currently serves as a columnist.