We Must Not Forget About Sudan Part 2: Ibrahim Shares His Experiences

Just as we must not forget about the horrific circumstances that force Sudanese nationals to flee, so too we must not forget about the beautiful and rich culture of Sudan, and the stories from people rebuilding their lives in the UK.

We spoke to Ibrahim, who bravely shared some of what he misses about Sudan, as well as his experiences of life in the UK. Here’s what he said:

What would you like British people to know about Sudan?

“What I would like the British people to know about Sudan is its rich cultural heritage and diversity. Sudan is a country with many tribes, cultures, and traditions. Before the separation of South Sudan, there were around 574 tribes and 113 local languages. Each tribe has its own customs, traditions, and unique way of life, contributing to the rich social fabric of Sudanese society.

The Sudanese people are united by values such as hospitality, respect, and community, while also celebrating their cultural differences. One day, I would like to speak about Sudan's cultural diversity through music, which reflects the history, identity, and traditions of its people. Music is a powerful way to showcase the beauty and richness of Sudan's diverse cultures.”

What do you miss about your home?

“I deeply miss my mother, my brothers and sisters, their children, my neighbours, and my friends. I also miss the photographs that were among the most valuable parts of my artistic and documentary journey. During the war, I lost many beautiful things that meant a lot to me. The memories remain in my heart, but their absence is felt every day.”

What has been difficult for you since living in the UK, and what do you enjoy about living here?

“Thankfully, I have not faced any major difficulties in the UK, as I have been visiting Britain since 1993 to attend music festivals and spend my annual holidays. I deeply miss Sudan and my family, friends, and the life I had there. However, it has become very difficult to live in a country where there is no safety, security, or a decent standard of living. This is one of the reasons why being away from Sudan is so painful, despite my strong longing to return.

I enjoy all the arts very much, and you flourish and develop every day, and I feel a beautiful life from British society when I integrated with them through music, and volunteering at Upbeat Communities.”

How did Upbeat Communities support you?

“I have learned a great deal from my experience at Upbeat, especially how to interact with people from different nationalities and cultures. At first, I knew very little about the customs, traditions, and the English language. The support and humanitarian assistance I received from Upbeat helped me overcome many challenges. All of these experiences have provided me with a solid foundation on which I can build my future.”

What are your hopes for the future?

“I want to combine both British and Sudanese cultures and contribute to the development of society through volunteer work and giving back. I also aim to become well-known in the world of music. There is something in my mind: I want to establish an organisation called “Give Back Organisation,” where I can teach music. This is the first goal I constantly think about.”

‍To join Upbeat as we support individuals like Ibrahim to rebuild their lives, please consider becoming a regular supporter of our work. £5 a month could go towards helping to provide English classes so people like Ibrahim can build vital connections and heal from the trauma they have faced: upbeatcommunities.org/donate