Fatten Competitor, late Baak Wol Agor popularly known by his fattening name Bak Majookdit. | photo credit: Lady Kola
Juba, South Sudan – Popular South Sudanese singer Lady Kola has called for an end to the traditional Dinka male fattening competition, warning that the long held cultural practice is now putting lives at risk and draining vital resources.
The fattening contest, observed in parts of Warrap and other states, requires young men to spend months eating only milk and cow meat while avoiding any physical activity. Women often assist by feeding the participants, wiping their sweat, and ensuring they remain awake to prevent calorie loss. At the end of the ritual, the man with the largest belly is declared the winner, a title that brings prestige but no tangible reward.
Recently, two men in Warrap State died after participating in the practice, reportedly from health complications linked to extreme weight gain and inactivity.
“These are not just headlines,” Lady Kola said in a statement. “These are sons, brothers, and friends. And these tragic deaths were preventable.”
As one of South Sudan’s most prominent cultural voices, the artist emphasized her respect for Dinka traditions but said that culture must evolve with changing realities.
“In South Sudan, culture is the heartbeat of who we are. It connects us to our ancestors and gives meaning to our lives,” she said. “But when a tradition begins to harm our people, we must speak with honesty, love, and courage.”
She also pointed to climate change as a growing threat to the practice. Rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall, and deteriorating grazing lands are affecting cattle health and reducing the nutritional value of milk and meat.
“Consuming excessive milk and meat in today’s conditions is no longer safe,” Lady Kola said. “Worse still, these resources are being diverted from children, mothers, and elders who urgently need them.”
The singer argued that young men should be celebrated not for physical size, but for qualities that strengthen communities.
“Let’s honor young men for wisdom, courage, leadership, and community service,” she said. “Let’s create new forms of celebration in sports, music, education, and resilience.”
Lady Kola concluded her appeal with a message to leaders and youth alike, “To our elders, guide with love, not fear of change. To our women, protect our sons and brothers, your strength shapes our future. To our youth, your life is too valuable to risk for fleeting fame. The world is changing. So must we. The time to act is now.”