Singer K-Toni

In a heartwarming display of solidarity, a group of musicians have raised 3 million South Sudanese pounds in a fundraising to support fellow singer K-Toni, a member of the popular group Best Boysz, who is currently battling leukemia.

K-Toni has been receiving treatment in Uganda’s Arua town since his shock diagnose with the form of cancer which affects blood cells, in February 2024.

However, the collective efforts of his colleagues and supporters have shone a light on the spirit of community prevalent in South Sudan’s burgeoning entertainment sector.

26-year-old K-Toni, also known as Nelson Mandela, is a member of the music group Best Boys, which is famous for its contributions to the South Sudanese music scene.

Their musical work includes a variety of songs that have gained popularity, and reflect the vibrant culture and musical diversity of South Sudan.

K-Toni experienced health issues from December to January, initially presenting with spinal complications that affected his digestion.

Despite receiving treatment, his condition worsened, leading to multiple hospital transfers. K-Toni was ultimately diagnosed with leukemia, a type of blood cancer.

This diagnosis marks a challenging period for K-Toni and necessitated an urgent need to mobilize resources for his medical treatment.

“He start getting sick since last year in December, and got help, but reaching January, things started to worsen. From different hospitals that we took him to, doctors said that he has blood cancer on stage 4 and its better for him to be referred outside of the country,” his fellow band member Bobi told Eye Radio.

Ktoni started his initial treatment after family and friends raised $800 as a facilitation fee. The family opted to take him to DR Congo after considering options suggested by the doctor, including Egypt, South Africa, Uganda, and Congo.

However, the treatment process could not go ahead due to financial challenges, and his friends reached out to the South Sudan Artists Union for help but it was in vain.

Finally his friends came together and organized a fundraising event which featured music performances from several singers.

Despite not meeting the required sum of $5,000, the event on May 4th, 2024, showcased the solidarity within the South Sudan entertainment industry, according to singer Degree Nicholas.

Notable performances by artists such as Lady Kola, WJ Di King, CocoSan, Viper Koko, and MC Loumex contributed to raising 2,500,000 SSP and $200 in cash.

“We were looking for avenues on how we can make some money to facilities his treatment. It’s blood cancer and not like malaria or typhoid. It cannot be one person responsibility,” said Degree Nicholas, a photographer, in an interview with Eye Radio.

“We made contribution but it was beyond the capability of the family and close friends, so we thought of why not bringing people together in order to contribute and help out.”

Mr. Nicholas said the recent gathering of artists to support K-Toni during a critical health situation is a heartwarming example of solidarity in the South Sudanese entertainment industry.

On his part, singer MC Lumoex said the fundraising demonstrated unity and compassion and underscores the importance of community support.

According to him, the event was a shared commitment to uplift and help one another in times of need.

“I was happy with fundraising that happened Kensburg, which was really good and going to cover the process of the treatment,” he said.

“I am calling on every entertainer we should stand for each other because today is K-Toni, and tomorrow, it is another person the process go around and we will continue doing the fund raising in soon future,” Mc Lumoex told Eye Radio.

According to the latest World Health Organization data published in 2020, Leukemia deaths in South Sudan reached 314, an approximate 0.37% of total deaths.

While all the risk factors for cancer are rampant in South Sudan, the country has no cancer registry and the exact incidence and prevalence of different forms of cancer is not known, according to experts.