By Lodu William Odiya
South Sudanese dancehall and Afrobeat artist Lady Kola, AKA Shankara, has stepped beyond the music stage and signaled her intention to enter electoral politics, calling on women to take a stronger role in the country’s upcoming elections.
The artist, whose real name is Akoul Ajom, made the remarks in a Facebook post as the country enters the election season, declaring her readiness to seek the governorship of Warrap State.
“My people, it’s election season. I see men preparing, but where are the women? We are 35%, and we must represent our 35%,” Lady Kola wrote.
“I am calling on all women to come out and stand up. For me, I am ready to lead and be the governor of Warrap State to represent our women. Let’s not be left behind,” she added.
Her statement has drawn attention because of her transition from entertainment into an openly political space, potentially bringing a familiar public figure and musician into the electoral conversation.
Lady Kola is a South Sudanese Afrobeat and dancehall artist, model, DJ, and peace campaigner. Her official biography says she began her musical career in 2018 and has built a regional following through songs including Dugu Kas, Du Nhom Maar, Tonight, and Tai.
Her musical career has also taken her beyond South Sudan. In 2021, her collaboration with Ugandan singer Cindy Sanyu, Muhaba, won the Best International Collaboration award at the South Sudan Music Awards.
Now, Lady Kola is using her public platform to highlight women’s participation in politics.
Her reference to women’s 35 per cent representation comes as women’s participation remains a prominent issue in discussions surrounding South Sudan’s electoral process. Her message specifically urges women not to remain on the sidelines as political parties and prospective candidates prepare for the polls.
By publicly expressing her readiness to lead Warrap State, Lady Kola has placed her name into the emerging political conversation, although her Facebook statement does not by itself establish whether she has formally registered as a candidate.
Her move illustrates how South Sudan’s election season is beginning to attract figures from outside traditional political circles, including personalities from the country’s vibrant entertainment industry.
For Lady Kola, the message is clear: women should participate, seek leadership positions, and make their voices heard as South Sudan prepares for the December elections.