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Emmanuel Jal is a former child soldier from Southern Sudan who survived two civil wars by the age of 13. He initially became a soldier to avenge the death of his parents - and it was simply what the children did to defend their villages, as they had no where to go and no one to protect them. After five years of raiding villages in Ethiopia, he was found in a camp by a young aid worker, Emma McCune. She recognized his natural talent and invested in his life, recognizing that both physical and spiritual reintegration were crucial. After a long journey out of a dark world, he found his hope for the future through giving positive messages through music. Jal’s intention to talk about his own experiences within the ongoing trauma in Southern Sudan is clear: “If you talk about a situation, it will affect the mind and people will quickly forget. But if you are able to reach their hearts, they will carry the passion with them forever.” Emmanuel Jal reaches many hearts through his rap music, which delivers a powerful message for reconciliation and hope worldwide. It especially strives to refocus much needed media and social attention on an ever-struggling Southern Sudan. If you’d like a more in-depth interview, check out Jal’s interviw on Canada’s QTV here. Emmanuel has just published his memoir “War Child,” from St. Martin’s Press and has also been featured in a documentary of the same title. Check out his charity, called “Gua,” by following the link below. It means Peace in the native Sudanese language, Nuel. Emmanuel is currently raising money through a 100+ day fast in order to build schools to educate the Southern Sudanese. Hope continues! |
