“For very long time, we have been waiting for peace. With peace, there will be no more war. The time for change is here now,” crooned prominent South Sudanese reggae singer, WJ De King and fellow artist Irene Toss.

Their electrifying performance brought hundreds of people to their feet, singing and dancing together, at the flagship event commemorating the International Day of United Nations Peacekeeping in Bor, Jonglei State.

“Peace begins with self-love, with self-reliance. Peace begins with celebrating diversity and embracing unity.”

The dynamic duo embraced the theme for the day by launching a new song, commissioned by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, as part of a campaign to promote peace in the world’s youngest country, under the theme “Peace Begins with Me”.

The campaign calls on every individual to take action, no matter how small, to contribute to a powerful, collective movement for peace. It also recognizes the persistence and unwavering commitment of the people of South Sudan to end conflict and secure sustainable peace and democracy.

“This event means a lot as coming together is the only way forward. If there is music, there is peace,” stressed WJ De King, who is also renown for being a peace activist.

The event, held at the Jonglei State Secretariat, was all about engagement and inclusion, with participants including women’s groups, children from a variety of schools, government officials, and UNMISS peacekeepers.