Samuel Sebit Emmanuel Stephens is a Binghamton University graduate student and musician, known as Samse Sam, advocating for peace in South Sudan through his organization, TIDE. He utilizes music to inspire hope and community resilience while addressing social justice issues. Stephens aims to engage youth and foster cultural cooperation, envisioning a global music event for peace as he advances his studies in genocide prevention.
Samuel Sebit Emmanuel Stephens, a Binghamton University graduate student pursuing a master’s in genocide and atrocity prevention, utilizes his musical talent to promote peace in South Sudan. He performs as Samse Sam, delivering messages of hope, resilience, and community empowerment through music. His work has already impacted tens of thousands, using his songs to advocate against war and restore unity among different ethnic groups.
Having fled war-torn South Sudan with his family, Stephens finds solace and purpose in music. He sees it as a means of preserving his mother’s memory while fostering collaboration across political divides. This drove him to found Talent Initiative for Development (TIDE), an organization aimed at promoting social justice and youth empowerment through creative arts.
Additionally, Stephens utilized his songwriting skills during the South Sudanese conflict in 2013, mobilizing communities for human rights awareness and reconciliation. His song “Kifaya,” which unites the message for peace, gained much attention in 2018 when 15 musicians collaborated to amplify its impact. This initiative also led to a case study that garnered him a grant for TIDE’s operations in South Sudan.
Beyond music, Stephens aims to celebrate cultural diversity through initiatives like the Music for Peace festival. TIDE also educates artists on responsible social media use to mitigate the spread of hate speech, especially as South Sudan approaches its 2026 elections. This endeavor is crucial in shaping how local artists engage with their communities.
Stephens’ efforts drew the interest of the Institute for Genocide and Mass Atrocity Prevention (IGMAP) in 2020, leading to his involvement as a Visiting Practitioner and recipient of the Nadia Rubaii Memorial Fellowship. His partnership with IGMAP facilitates access to academic resources and grants to support TIDE’s initiatives. This collaboration helped TIDE secure additional funding to enhance its activities.
In the future, Stephens envisions a global music event aimed at peace, bringing together artists from various cultures to tackle global issues through their art forms. He emphasizes the importance of rewriting the narrative of South Sudan by using music and other artistic expressions as tools for conflict resolution and dialogue.
As he continues his educational pursuits alongside his advocacy work, Stephens remains determined to rewrite South Sudan’s narrative one song at a time. He believes that addressing the lies told about the country is essential for fostering a genuine understanding and achieving lasting peace.
Samuel Sebit Emmanuel Stephens, known as Samse Sam, leverages music as a tool for social change, fostering hope and collaboration in South Sudan. His initiatives through Talent Initiative for Development emphasize youth engagement, cultural celebration, and peacebuilding. As he pursues his master’s degree, Stephens aims to unite diverse communities globally to address conflicts through music, aspiring to transform narratives surrounding South Sudan.
Original Source: www.binghamton.edu
