3rd Edition of Derik Festival. (Photo: Kafuki Jada).

Dozens of academic intellectuals, artistes and cultural experts gathered at the University of Juba on Friday evening to attend the Third Edition of Derik Cultural Festival.

The event is held annually on November to honor legendary artist Afred Uya Derik, who passed away in the Sudanese capital Khartoum on 19^th October 2021.

Derik died aged 59 years after what has been described as his long journey of selfless efforts in the fields of culture and drama in Sudan and South Sudan.

He was famous during his management of the Kuwato Cultural group, a model of campaign for a peaceful coexistence between the components of Sudanese society in the north and south – in the nineties.

Derik Cultural Festival is usually held on November the 10th and concludes on the 18th.

Atem Simon, the president of Derik Cultural Festival says the event will be marked with different activities including musical performance, book fare and public lectures about different aspects of the South Sudanese cultures.

“This event which is Derik Cultural Festival is taking place at the University of Juba and it will continue for the next seven days,” he said.

“We have different activities apart from music, fine art, we have books fare and books discussion as well as public lectures on the situation of languages in South Sudan.”

“We will also be having a discussion on architecture and identity in South Sudan. And we will be discussing different issues with some academicians and researchers.”

During the event, legendary musician Emmanuel Kembe performed at the event in which he was named Personality of the Year for his contribution and legacy to music.

During the Second Edition of Derik Cultural Festival in November 2022, participants said the late artist was one of the heroes and heroines of liberation struggle who contributed to the founding of the country.