Emmanuel Jal

About Emmanuel Jal

Emmanuel started his life as a child soldier in the war-torn region of Southern Sudan. He was eventually rescued by a British aid worker, Emma McCune and smuggled to Kenya where he overcame a huge number of struggles to become an acclaimed recording artist and peace activist. He now lives in Toronto, Canada. Emmanuel has released seven award nominated studio albums: Shangah, Naath, The Key, Gua, Ceasefire, Warchild and See Me Mama. His single release KUAR with Henrik Schwarz in 2011 and its subsequent remixes, helped set in motion the hugely popular genre we now define as "Afrohouse." As one of most sought after Afrohouse DJs and creators globally, Emmanuel has released multiple hits including Gorah (with Nitefreak), Yuma (with Miishu and Francis Mercier), and Chaak with Bun Xapa. Jal's music both reflects the image of war and poverty that has blighted South Sudan whilst also carefully pulling upon the resilience and rich culture of its identity, through vibrant tones and messaging. He has collaborated and performed alongside artists such as Lauryn Hill, Xavier Rudd, Peter Gabriel, Nelly Furtado, Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, Joss Stone, Ed Sheeran, Nile Rodgers and Alicia Keys. Emmanuel Jal is also a prominent speaker, peace activist, wellbeing coach and actor. He has his published two books, "My Life is Art' and his autobiography 'Warchild' and starred in the Warner Bros film 'The Good Lie' alongside Reese Witherspoon.