Singer and Ana Taban hit-maker Marko Atem performs at Nyakuron Cultural Center in Juba. | Photo: Marko Atem/Facebook

Budding South Sudanese artist Marko Atem says he did not become a musician to chase fame but to try and spread messages of peace and unity in the hearts of his countrymen.

Atem, 22, dropped his ‘Ana Taban’ banger in May this year and the song has since topped music charts including Eye Radio’s top ten most requested songs.

Ana Taban, an Arabic translation of ‘I am Tired’ recounts the suffering of South Sudanese due to the conflict and insecurities as well as the current economic hardships.

The song has also taken Tiktok and other social media platforms by storm.

“I have seen many people join the music industry for fame but not for me,” he said on Eye Radio’s Top Ten Music Show on June 11.

The singer says music is the only tool that has the power to influence positive change and bring people together.

“I didn’t just become a musician for fame. I want to leave a mark so that when am old, people can remember the impact of my song.”

“The frequency of music should impact them, I want to promote unity through my music.”

Atem says his song is not political and does not point fingers at anyone, but that it rather magnifies the cry of the South Sudanese people.