BIO
Emmanuel started his life as a child soldier in the war-torn region of Southern Sudan in the early 1980s. He was eventually rescued by a British aid worker Emma McCune and smuggled to Kenya where he overcame many struggles to become a successful and acclaimed recording artist and peace ambassador. Emmanuel has released seven award-nominated studio albums: Shangah, Naath The Key, Gua, Ceasefire, Warchild, and See Me Mama. Jal’s music has had much achievement in the Afrotech sphere, with numerous single releases, including Kuar (FNX Omar & Henrik Schwarz), Hey Mama (Da Capo), Guaja (Levy), and Gorah (Nitefreak).
His live appearances have included Live 8, Nelson Mandela’s 90th Birthday Concert, and the One Concert for the Dalai Lama. 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.
Drawing on his personal experiences and background, he speaks and performs with a strong message of reconciliation and peace. He has addressed the UN, the US Congress, the Carter Centre, and the highest level of several governments.