K-Denk

Last updated
K-Denk
Birth nameKoang Deng Kun Kong
BornRenk
OriginSouth Sudan
Genres Folk music, AfroPop, Hip hop, and Afro Beat
Occupation(s)musician, songwriter, artist
Instrument(s)Vocals
Years active2020-present
LabelsWangBoy Records

Koang Deng Kun Kong is a South Sudanese born-Canada based [1] musician, songwriter, dancer and artist professionally known as K-Denk. He was born in Renk. [2] [3] [4]

Contents

Music career

Denk began his music career in 2004 as a member of the Kakuma Presbyterian Church choir. [5] [6] Denk took part in Tusker Project Fame 2010 representing South Sudan, [7] which was widely regarded as his breakout moment. [8] [9] He has sung with other artists in the past. [10] In 2018, Denk went on a tour of South Sudanese refugee camps in Uganda and Kenya as part of an "outreach programme" for people affected by the South Sudanese civil war. [11] Denk's song Brighter Day was played over the radio to celebrate the 2018 ceasefire that brought an end to the civil war. [12]

Discography

Songs
Song TitleYear
Ou kene Guut2017
Guola n iwi da ping2017
Wimuon 2017
Happy Wedding [13] 2017
Ruor Nyamar [14] 2017
Thieli paar [15] 2017
William Deng2017
Guola Ni Wida [11] 2017
Kni ni dhiech [16] 2017
Thieli Chaot [17] 2017
Engu Geri [18] 2017
Ya Hobi [19] 2017
Bakaji Ft. Sweet Angel [20] 2017
Ou Kene Guut2017
Enijin Kerua2018
Beautiful Lady2018
Ou ce jiek2018
Rew2018
My Babe2018
Juzza2018
Can't Wait To Love Another Day2019
Ba Guor Ni Dupku2019
Dance with You [21] 2019
Shine Up2020
Hope There will be another day [22] 2020

Studio albums

List of Studio Albums
TitleYearLabelFormat
William DengOctober 21, 2017WangBoy Music Record LabelDigital download

Awards

Personal life

Denk has 4 sisters and 1 brother. His father died in 1992 as a result of the Second Sudanese Civil War. [27] In 2013, Denk received significant attention when he openly declared his allegiance to the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-in-Opposition, posting a video where he brandished an assault rifle. [28] [29] Denk later rescinded his support for the group, instead going back to music and declaring his support for a peaceful resolution to the South Sudanese Civil War. [30] Denk, between 2010 and 2013 attended Admas University Ethiopia, and in 2017 graduated with a diploma in music from Day Star University Nairobi, Kenya. [31] [32]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Juba</span> Capital and largest city of South Sudan

Juba is the capital and largest city of South Sudan. The city is situated on the White Nile and also serves as the capital of the Central Equatoria State. It is the most recently declared national capital and had a population of 525,953 in 2017. It has an area of 52 km2 (20 sq mi), with the metropolitan area covering 336 km2 (130 sq mi).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Emmanuel Jal</span> Musical artist

Emmanuel Jal is a South Sudanese-Canadian artist, actor,author, former child soldier, and political activist. His autobiography, War Child: A Child Soldier's Story, was published in 2009.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">East African Breweries</span> Kenyan based alcoholic beverages holding company

East African Breweries Limited, commonly referred to as EABL, is a Kenyan-based holding company that manufactures branded beer, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages.

Tim Rimbui, better known as "Ennovator" is a Kenyan record producer, sound engineer and songwriter who has worked with many prominent Kenyan and East African artists. He is generally thought of as one of the leading music producers in Kenya. With the foresight of being creative, innovative and unique he chose the name Ennovator, which would best describe his sound and approach to music production.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">South Sudan national football team</span> Mens national association football team representing South Sudan

The South Sudan national football team represents South Sudan in international football and is controlled by the South Sudan Football Association, the governing body for football in South Sudan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">South Sudan</span> Country in East Africa

South Sudan, officially the Republic of South Sudan, is a landlocked country in eastern Central Africa. It is bordered by Ethiopia, Sudan, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and Kenya, and includes the vast swamp region of the Sudd, formed by the White Nile and known locally as the Bahr al Jabal, meaning "Mountain Sea". The population was 11,088,796 in 2023, and Juba is the capital and largest city. South Sudan gained independence from Sudan on 9 July 2011, making it the most recent sovereign state or country with widespread recognition as of 2024.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Culture of South Sudan</span> Overview of the culture of South Sudan

The culture of South Sudan encompasses the religions, languages, ethnic groups, foods, and other traditions of peoples of the modern state of South Sudan, as well as of the inhabitants of the historical regions of southern Sudan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rail transport in South Sudan</span>

South Sudan does not have an extensive rail system. Current rail infrastructure, which was constructed between 1959–1962, and was left over from the previous Sudan government is in a serious state of disrepair. It consists of a 248 kilometers (154 mi) narrow-gauge, single-track line that connects Babonosa (Sudan) with the city of Wau in South Sudan. The line was left in poor condition after the Second Sudanese Civil War after several parts of it were mined; the line was fully rehabilitated with United Nations funds.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Languages of South Sudan</span> Overview of the languages spoken in South Sudan

South Sudan is a multilingual country, with over 60 indigenous languages spoken. The official language of the country is English which was introduced in the region during the colonial era.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">India–South Sudan relations</span> Bilateral relations

India–South Sudan relations are the bilateral ties between the Republic of India and the Republic of South Sudan. India recognised South Sudan on 9 July 2011, the day South Sudan became an independent state. India maintains an embassy at Juba, and South Sudan maintains an embassy in New Delhi.

The mass media in South Sudan is underdeveloped compared to many other countries, including fellow East African states like Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Poor transportation infrastructure and entrenched poverty in the country inhibit both the circulation of newspapers, particularly in states located far from the capital of Juba, and the ability of media outlets to maintain regular coverage of the entire country.

<i>Tusker Project Fame</i> Kenyan TV series or program

Tusker Project Fame is an East African reality-singing competition show sponsored by Tusker Lager. The show is similar to American Idol and Project Fame South Africa, musicians compete to win cash and a one-year record deal with Universal Music Group South Africa.

Angelo Maku better known by his stage name Yaba Angelosi is a South Sudanese American singer, songwriter, sound producer, film director, and entertainer.

Wendy Kimani is a Kenyan singer, songwriter, actress and entertainer. She came into prominence after being the first runners-up in the second season of Tusker Project Fame. As a singer she is known for her songs; "Haiwi Haiwi" featuring Bien of Sauti Sol, "Chali", "Unajua" featured by Gilad among others. She released her debut album dubbed as My Essence launched in August 2013. As an actress she is known for starring in the television series, Rush.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Atemi Oyungu</span> Musical artist

Carol Atemi Oyungu is a Kenyan singer, songwriter and entertainer. She first made her mark by being in a girl band Intu until 2007 when they each decided to go solo and work on individual projects. In 2003, she joined Eric Wainaina, as an assistant vocal harmony provider for his band. Oyungu released her first single "Happy" in 2004 and her debut album Hatimaye in 2008, and her second studio album Manzili in 2013.

Okuta Ceaser Malish Jeremiah in Torit, South Sudan, known by his stage name Silver X, is a South Sudanese singer. Silver X has won many East African awards in Nairobi, Kenya as well as South Sudanese awards in Juba.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Anataban Campaign</span> South Sudanese artist collective

The Anataban Campaign is an artist collective based in Juba, South Sudan. The group uses street theater, graffiti, murals, sculpture and poetry to foster public discussion about the issues of social injustice and government accountability, and transparency. Anataban members see solidarity, courage, integrity, inclusion, non-violence and political neutrality as the important values guiding their work.

Gordon Koang is a blind South Sudanese musician based in Australia. He is known in South Sudan as the country's "King of Music". Koang was already an internationally touring musician and a household name in his own country when he was forced to flee South Sudan for Uganda and then Australia. Since then, he has played and produced music in Australia and advocated for refugees. He was awarded permanent residency in Australia in 2019.

EstherNabaasa Mugizi, commonly known as Esther Nabaasa, is a Ugandan songwriter and record producer. She was the winner of the second season of the East Africa's Tusker Project Fame (TPF) singing competition in 2008.

Manasseh Mathiang is a South Sudanese musician and human rights activist. Having made a living as a musician for many years, in 2021 he was exiled from South Sudan for criticizing the government. In response, he began using his music to solely to promote activism and, together with other exiled South Sudanese artists, formed Antaban, meaning “I am tired” in Arabic. For his criticism of the government, Mathiang has remained a fugitive and is often forced to flee. He currently operates out of Nairobi, Kenya where he serves as executive director of Hagiga Ltd, an NGO aimed at promoting freedom of expression through art.

References

  1. "K-Denk on why he gave up the gun for music". The Citizen. October 23, 2015.
  2. "Top 10 Best South Sudanese Artistes In 2018". Juba Eye. May 21, 2018.
  3. "Kenya: TPF Contestants to K Denk – Drop the Gun Stick to Music!". The Informer. February 10, 2014.
  4. "K-Deng surrenders the gun for the mic". Daily Nation. October 15, 2015.
  5. Ilado, Lucy (November 6, 2018). "South Sudanese Artist Goes on Refugee Tour". Media Africa.
  6. Ayo, Millard (February 8, 2014). "Msanii wa Project fame alieingia kwenye vita ya nchi, anasema Rais akiuwawa amani ndio itakuja". Millard Ayo (in Swahili).
  7. Nation Reporter (December 5, 2010). "Ugandan wins Sh5m Tusker Project Fame award". Daily Nation.
  8. Abeka, Moses (December 17, 2018). "South Sudanese music finds a voice in East Africa". Music in Africa.
  9. Muchiri, John (February 5, 2014). "Is K-Denk fighting in South Sudan?". Nairobi News.
  10. "K-Denk teamed up with Canadian based female artist on new track 'Bakaji'". Hot in Juba. 28 February 2016.
  11. 1 2 Ilado, Lucy (November 9, 2018). "South Sudanese artist goes on refugee tour". The Southern Times. Retrieved May 15, 2020.
  12. Long, Jack (May 7, 2019). "PH.D. Student Studies Music And Conflict In Ethiopia". The Lantern. Retrieved May 15, 2020.
  13. "K-Denk ~ Happy Wedding (Official Video)". October 29, 2016 via YouTube.
  14. "K-Denk – RUOR NYIMAR (Official Music Video)". May 17, 2017 via YouTube.
  15. "K-Denk – THIELI CHAAT/ PAAR ( OFFICIAL VIDEO )". November 3, 2017 via YouTube.
  16. "K-Denk – KE NIN DHIECH ( OFFICIAL HD VIDEO ) WANGDUNKON MUSIC". March 15, 2016 via YouTube.
  17. "K-Denk – THIELI CHAAT/ PAAR ( OFFICIAL VIDEO )". August 2, 2017 via YouTube.
  18. "K-Denk – Engu Gori (Official Video)". August 2, 2017 via YouTube.
  19. "K-Denk – Ya Hobi (Official Video)". August 2, 201 via YouTube.
  20. "K-Denk ft Sweet Angel – Bakaji (Official Video)". August 2, 2017 via YouTube.
  21. "[PHOTOS] K-Denk shoots new music video worth 5000 USD". May 20, 2018.
  22. "Sensational South Sudanese Rapper K-Denk Releases a New Single – Hope in Canada". South Sudan Business. April 6, 2020.
  23. "K-Denk aacha silaha, ashika Mic | East Africa Television". EATV.
  24. "TPF contestants to K denk: Drop the gun stick to music!". Africa News Hub. February 10, 2014 via The Star.
  25. "SOUTH SUDAN MUSIC AWARDS 2019 FINAL NOMINEES LIST". South Sudan Music Awards.
  26. "Full list of the winners of 2019 South Sudan music awards". South Sudan Business. December 27, 2019.
  27. Jumatatu (May 19, 2014). "K-Denk akiri alipotoka kuasi". East African Television (in Swahili).
  28. Admin (February 7, 2014). "Former Tusker Project Fame contestant K-Denk Joins the Rebel Ranks in South Sudan". The Informer.
  29. "K-Denk back in Kenya from South Sudan conflict". Nairobi News. June 28, 2015.
  30. "Rapper K-Denk: I'm no longer a rebel". Hot in Juba. September 29, 2019 via Talk of Juba.
  31. Kong, Koang Den Kun. "K-DENK: Artist, Musician, and Actor in South Sudan". About Me.
  32. Kamau, Richard (March 20, 2014). "K-Denk Finally Drops His AK-47 For The Mic". Nairobi Wire. Retrieved May 13, 2020.