Biography

Emmanuel Jal is a South Sudanese rapper, singer, actor, activist, and public speaker whose works have transformed the lives of millions in his native homeland. From his start in life as a child soldier in the war-torn region of Southern Sudan in the early 1980s, Emmanuel has come through huge personal struggles to become a successful and acclaimed recording artist and peace ambassador now living in Toronto, Canada. In a career that has spanned 17 years, he has achieved worldwide recognition for his unique style of Hip Hop and Afro pop with its message of peace and reconciliation. Emmanuel has now become one of the most sought after Afro Tech artists globally. Emmanuel's message of peace has carried through all of his work, whether it be his latest book My Life is Art his memoir Warchild, his widely-shared Ted Talk, co-starring with Reese Witherspoon in the motion picture The Good Lie, and even reconciling with healthy eating by launching the instant powder super food Jal Gua\". Jal has garnered much success through his signature South Sudanese sound and collaborations such as his recent hit "Gorah" (with Nitefreak), launched by Diplo's Higher Ground label, the iconic "Kuar" with Henrik Schwarz/ FNX Omar, "Chagu" (with Moblack/ Henrik Schwarz), "Hey Mama" (Euggy, Suraj, FNX Omar,) "Birds" (with Folamour) and "Budah" (with Angelos & Keene) amongst many others. Emmanuel continues to bring a grounded authenticity to his music, emanating from his extraordinary personal experience, emotion and infectious positivity. He has been nominated for 2 Junos in the 'Best World World Music artist' category and has released 7 award nominated studio albums including Shangah (2022), Naath (2018), The Key (2014), See Me Mama (2012), Warchild (2008), Ceasefire (2005), Gua (2005); all of which has seen him reign consistently high on the music scene. Emmanuel's live appearances have included Live 8, Glastonbury, Nelson Mandela's 90th Birthday Concert and the One Concert for his Holiness the Dalai Lama. He has also 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.