South Sudanese singer Vivian Nyachan, known for her peace-oriented songs, has died in Juba following a short illness.
She was in her early 60s.
Her family announced that Nyachan, whose full name is Vivian James Chuai, passed away on Tuesday evening at Gurei Medical Clinic.
They described her death as sudden.
Hailing from Upper Nile State, Nyachan was a prominent figure in South Sudan’s grassroots music scene.
She was widely admired for using her music to promote peace, social cohesion, and unity during times of conflict.
She was best known for her song “Look at Me”, which gained popularity for its messages of restraint and the protection of civilians, particularly women, children, farmers, and fishermen.
Nyachan performed mainly in the Chollo (Shilluk) language and Arabic, blending traditional folk styles with contemporary sounds.
Her repertoire included love songs, folk music, women’s empowerment themes, and devotional pieces.
Her songs, such as “Wadakona,” “Amara,” “Raj Piny,” and “Hakuma Ta Mara,” reached wide audiences through community radio, cultural events, and informal sharing on platforms like YouTube, especially among the South Sudanese diaspora.
Following news of her death, tributes poured in on social media from fans and fellow musicians, who described her as a powerful and influential voice for peace in South Sudan.
Funeral and burial arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in the coming days.

