November 29, 2010

A Silent Volcano: The Sam Yob Story.

Posted in Uncategorized at 3:14 pm by xpress436

Khartoum, Southern Sudan born and bred Samuel Lukudu knew he wanted to live and study in Kenya in 2007 when visiting his brother in Nairobi and attending a cousin’s wedding. He broached the topic to brother who agreed that it would be a great idea if their parents would back him up. So when his mother approved of his move to Nairobi, Samuel was elated and three years later, he still finds Nairobi intriguing.

Fondly known to his friends and family as Sam Yob, this 22 year-old 6’2 tall southerner had enrolled at a college in Khartoum and was pursuing a course in Police Science and Law immediately after completing his high school studies at Comboni brothers still in Khartoum. He, however, knew he was not cut out for a career in policing and while at his brother’s in Nairobi, the dream to work in Broadcast journalism kept nagging. It was then that he decided to pack his bags and leave the college in Khartoum. His parents, as expected were disappointed and to clear his head he decided to get away and ended up in Nairobi.
Sam Yob says his mother has been very supportive of him throughout the years and she readily welcomed his decision to study Broadcast Journalism at Daystar University. He officially enrolled in 2007 and looks forward to graduating in June 2011.

Early childhood
Sam Yob grew up in a family of two brothers and five sisters. His brother was away and this meant he was often times caught up in the bickering of his sisters. He learnt to be independent early in life, a quality he exudes even as I listen to him narrate his life story. Sam Yob comes across as quiet, defiant, even indifferent. The almost blank facial expression as he talks about his early childhood gives off the impression that he didn’t quite have the chance to experience being childish, mischievous and naughty. “I was a responsible kid, always did everything by the book and I rarely was in trouble, “he says. Typical of most children whose parents are often away at work for days, even weeks, Sam Yob knew how to take care of himself at an early age. “My mother is a politician and she would travel out of Sudan many times. She was always busy with work and so I had to depend on my self,” he says.

Career and interests

Sam Yob is a radio presenter at a Nairobi-based but Juba-broadcasted radio station, something I find interesting given his quiet nature. Broadcast journalism is often associated with vocal, extroverted individuals who appear aggressive and always on the move. For this calm and composed hip-hop enthusiast, the idea is almost unlikely. “ I have worked as a radio journalist, news anchor and news producer for about a year now and I like it. I come alive in the studio and I cannot imagine doing anything else,” he says. Sam Yob strongly believes he was born for journalism and he enjoys translating news items from English to Arabic.
When he is not working he dabbles in basketball, football, underground poetry and music. “I compose my own music. I have so far recorded three songs and shot a video for one,” he says excitedly. By now my curiosity is piqued by this seemingly withdrawn jack of all trades with an energy that bubbles under. I am curious how he juggles work, class and his numerous interests. “It gets really crazy at times and I feel like I will lose my mind! For now I do the music for fun, but I intend to take it seriously when am through with school come next year,” says the radio journalist.

Family support system
Sam Yob’s value for family ties is evident as he talks about his family. Having grown up in a well-knit family setting he owes his sense of culture to his parents and extended family. He particularly cannot stop talking about his love for his mother and shows me a tattoo on his arm with the initials of his mother’s name, a soft and emotional contrast to his otherwise macho demeanor.

Sam Yob’s life has not always been rosy and he narrates an incident that changed his life completely. He and his cousin were very close and he considered him his best friend. He unfortunately died and Sam Yob only learnt about his death a day later. He had not seen him for some time and had traveled to Khartoum to visit. His cousin passed away on the May 14, 2009, the day Sam Yob arrived in Khartoum. He learnt of his death on the 15th from hi sister. He was buried on May 16, 2009 which coincidentally is Sam Yob’s birthday. “I was devastated. I now take time out every year on my birthday to visit his grave and thank God for life and everything,” says Sam Yob.

For a quiet and reserved guy, Sam Yob has many friends. His best friend James Abui, the current International Students Association of Daystar Students (ISADU) chairperson, says Sam Yob is honest and loyal and that, he says, is a quality that many people lack. “We have been friends for a long time and I really appreciate him as a brother,” says the equally tall ISADU chair.

Future Plans

Sam Yob hopes to travel back to Sudan after graduation. “My country needs me. I have to go back and apply the knowledge I have learnt so far towards building Sudan.” Sudan is currently getting ready for referendum; something Sam Yob says is long overdue. He says this change will help Sudan grow and restore back its lost glory. He reckons the youth have what it takes to steer the country forward and they only need to stand up and fight for what they believe in.
We wrap up the interview and as he walks away, I am convinced that there is a strong passion, energy and dedication beneath this laid back radio presenter-by-day and hip-hop-artiste-by-night.

By Georgia Atieno

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