Kulna Ikhwan – A Song for Peace and Unity

A Creative Project by Art Lab Sudan in Collaboration with NPA

About the Project

“Kulna Ikhwan” (We Are All Brothers) is a music video project produced by the Sudanese Youth Network – Juba Office, and implemented by Art Lab Sudan with the generous support of the Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA). The project aims to promote values of peace, unity, and peaceful coexistence among Sudanese communities, especially during these difficult times of conflict and displacement.

The Power of Music and Visuals

The song delivers a strong message of peace and solidarity through its lyrics and visuals. Scenes were filmed across Sudan — in cities, rural areas, displacement camps, and refugee camps — to reflect the real experiences and resilience of Sudanese people from all backgrounds.

Though the original title was “Lazim Tigeef” (It Must Stop), the name was later changed to “Kulna Ikhwan” to make the message more inclusive and widely accepted.

How the Grant Was Used

Thanks to the support of NPA, the grant helped produce a high-quality music video, covering:

  • Filming in multiple locations in Sudan and Uganda

  • Coordination with local photographers and artists

  • Post-production and editing

  • Launch event and a strong social media campaign

  • Building connections for future partnerships

The official video campaign ran from November 10 to December 24, 2023.

Reach and Impact

  • Direct Beneficiaries: 100+ individuals including artists, organizers, and attendees of the launch event in Kampala, Uganda.

  • Wider Reach: Through platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube, the video reached over 91,000 views.

  • The song sparked strong emotional responses and conversations around peace, identity, and shared hopes for a better future.

What We Achieved

  • Raised public awareness around the human cost of conflict

  • Strengthened Art Lab’s technical and financial management capacity

  • Empowered young Sudanese creatives to use media as a tool for advocacy

  • Showed how art can unify people across ethnic, cultural, and geographical divides

Challenges Faced

  • Limited Budget: The team had to work with minimal resources but remained creative and resourceful.

  • Tight Timeline: This led to simpler production methods, which sometimes impacted visual quality.

  • Mixed Reactions: While most feedback was positive, some online users expressed negative views related to ongoing conflict. This highlighted the importance of promoting peace through innovative and inclusive messaging.

Lessons Learned

  • Teamwork and shared purpose were key to overcoming obstacles.

  • Art remains a powerful tool for storytelling and advocacy, especially during crises.

  • Even with limited tools, meaningful impact can be made when the message is clear and heartfelt.

  • Community engagement—online and offline—is essential for spreading awareness.

Reflections and Future Goals

The Kulna Ikhwan project left a deep impression on its audience and participants. It encouraged unity, inspired hope, and proved that youth-led creative work can influence public perception and build bridges of understanding.

Looking ahead, Art Lab Sudan hopes to:

  • Secure more funding to improve quality and reach

  • Continue using music and film to support peace and justice

  • Strengthen partnerships to support displaced communities

  • Explore new ways to fundraise, including re-launching online donation platforms

Final Words

We are proud of this project and everyone who made it possible — from the artists and photographers to the community members who participated. Despite all challenges, Kulna Ikhwan stands as a testament to the strength of Sudanese creativity and the deep desire for peace.

Because art speaks where words sometimes fail — and a song can unite where conflict divides.