20/07/2025
HOW SINGING FOR MY ‘DRUK’ FATHER LIT MY MUSIC CAREER – TONY of STAR EAGLES
Singing for my drunk father lit fire for my music career - Tony of Star Eagles
Tony Manas, one-half of the South Sudanese Christian music duo Star Eagle, has a story that’s both inspiring and, well… a little bit funny. Behind his smooth vocals and gospel hits is a childhood filled with drama — courtesy of a loving but liquor-loyal father.
Speaking on StarTalk, a Ruthilla Digital entertainment show that gives artists a platform to share personal stories and community work, Tony opened up about his musical roots — which surprisingly began with his father’s drunken demands.
“He would come and tell me to jump, to sing songs.
“So when I was a toddler, I already had that in my heart; to do with music,” he added.
Imagine a tiny Tony standing on a wobbly bench, belting out tunes for an audience of one: a tipsy dad swaying with pride and cheap booze.
But behind the humor was a spark — one that ignited a lifelong passion for music.
“Those odd little performances built something in me. Even as a toddler, I already felt that connection to music,” he said.
Tony’s interest grew stronger in high school, where he joined the Scripture Union and sang at school fellowships. The beat of the drums, the energy of the crowd — it all clicked.
“So when I was in high school. I used to sing in this scripture union. We played the drums and I’ll go up [on the pulpit] and sing.
That growth continued into college, where he found himself drawn to other musicians. It was there that he met Denis — the other half of Star Eagle.
So when I was in high school. I used to sing in this scripture union. We played the drums and I’ll go up [on the pulpit] and sing.
That growth continued into college, where he found himself drawn to other musicians. It was there that he met Denis — the other half of Star Eagle.
“So I could see that the bath is coming out, but I don't know how. But then when I got the privilege to go into college, you know, and seeing these musicians, I moved with them,” added Tony, who is also a pastor.
Together, they formed the band in 2001 with a mission to spread messages of hope, spiritual uplifting and socially conscious music.
Their first album dropped in 2007, and they’ve since become a well-loved voice in South Sudan’s gospel music scene.
Also a pastor, Tony credits both his faith and his early "living room concerts" for shaping the artist he is today.
Star Eagle is currently working on a number of projects, with a fresh batch of songs set to be released in the coming weeks, Ruthilla Digital can authoritatively report.
You can catch more of Tony’s story — and others like it — on Star Talk every Sunday at 9 AM on the official Star Talk page.
