Emmanuel Jal
Former Sudanese Child Soldier & Hip-Hop Artist
Exclusive Representation by Greater Talent Network
Once a child soldier on the front lines of combat in war-torn Sudan, Emmanuel Jal has been hailed as the "rising star of African hip hop." WARchild, his third album and international solo debut, has launched Jal into the spotlight for its profound, empowering messages of peace and reconciliation. As the central figure of the internationally acclaimed War Child documentary, Jal has quickly become an international icon representing social justice and human rights.
"I believe I have survived for a reason...to tell my story and touch lives."
To this day Jal doesn't know when he was born or exactly how old he is. Jal's story begins in Sudan during what has become one of history's most brutal civil wars. At no more than 6 years old, Jal was sent away to become a rebel fighter for the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA), armed with a machine gun taller than he was. While children around the world were learning to read and write, Jal was learning to survive in the epicenter of famine and suffering. At roughly 11 years old, Emmanuel joined more than 400 other child soldiers in a courageous desertion of rebel lines. He was one of only 16 children to survive the journey.
"I write songs with a new beginning in mind: music for peace."
Billboard magazine recognized his most recent release as the album that "moves Jal into more mainstream hip-hop territory" while keeping his distance from the genre's image. As a rapper with an inspiring message, Jal has launched a rap counter-culture that challenges the priorities of hip hop music through unique content and delivery. In WARchild, Jal wrote a song for rap artist 50 Cent that calls for accountability of the "gangsta mentality" glamorized by American hip hop artists.
In addition to playing alongside Moby at The Concert to End Slavery, and performing at Nelson Mandela's 90th Birthday Celebration, Jal's music has been featured on soundtracks including Blood Diamond and ER. He has also been featured in Rolling Stone, Vibe, The Guardian, USA Today, CNN, Q Magazine and on NPR.
"If I testify, I might prevent another kid from losing his childhood."
The War Child documentary, which won the Tribeca Film Festival Cadillac Audience Award, continues to gain accolades at prestigious film festivals worldwide. War Child presents Jal's story in the context of Sudan's tormented modern history of civil war, following Jal from child soldier to rap star. Jal is also the founder of Gua Africa, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and ensuring sustainable development of local communities in Sub Saharan Africa. In addition to his ongoing international tour, Jal's first book, War Child: A Child Soldier's Story, was released in February 2009 from St. Martin’s Press. This highly anticipated autobiography has been called "Quietly stirring," by The New York Times.
AT THE PODIUM Jal offers a greater philosophical message about war and peace. He translates his traumatic past as a child soldier into a positive experience that reflects the strength of human character. His lecture focuses on the power of human generosity, the need for political support in Darfur and what each of us can do to make a difference. Music is central to his message and at each appearance, Jal raps for freedom and sings for absolution.
Interested in booking Emmanuel Jal to speak at your next event?
To this day Jal doesn't know when he was born or exactly how old he is. Jal's story begins in Sudan during what has become one of history's most brutal civil wars. At no more than 6 years old, Jal was sent away to become a rebel fighter for the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA), armed with a machine gun taller than he was. While children around the world were learning to read and write, Jal was learning to survive in the epicenter of famine and suffering. At roughly 11 years old, Emmanuel joined more than 400 other child soldiers in a courageous desertion of rebel lines. He was one of only 16 children to survive the journey.
Billboard magazine recognized his most recent release as the album that "moves Jal into more mainstream hip-hop territory" while keeping his distance from the genre's image. As a rapper with an inspiring message, Jal has launched a rap counter-culture that challenges the priorities of hip hop music through unique content and delivery. In WARchild, Jal wrote a song for rap artist 50 Cent that calls for accountability of the "gangsta mentality" glamorized by American hip hop artists.
In addition to playing alongside Moby at The Concert to End Slavery, and performing at Nelson Mandela's 90th Birthday Celebration, Jal's music has been featured on soundtracks including Blood Diamond and ER. He has also been featured in Rolling Stone, Vibe, The Guardian, USA Today, CNN, Q Magazine and on NPR.
The War Child documentary, which won the Tribeca Film Festival Cadillac Audience Award, continues to gain accolades at prestigious film festivals worldwide. War Child presents Jal's story in the context of Sudan's tormented modern history of civil war, following Jal from child soldier to rap star. Jal is also the founder of Gua Africa, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and ensuring sustainable development of local communities in Sub Saharan Africa. In addition to his ongoing international tour, Jal's first book, War Child: A Child Soldier's Story, was released in February 2009 from St. Martin’s Press. This highly anticipated autobiography has been called "Quietly stirring," by The New York Times.
AT THE PODIUM Jal offers a greater philosophical message about war and peace. He translates his traumatic past as a child soldier into a positive experience that reflects the strength of human character. His lecture focuses on the power of human generosity, the need for political support in Darfur and what each of us can do to make a difference. Music is central to his message and at each appearance, Jal raps for freedom and sings for absolution.
Interested in booking Emmanuel Jal to speak at your next event?
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