Emmanuel Jal was a child soldier in the Sudanese Civil War at age seven. He grew up amid terrible violence and has risen above it to become something positive and productive. His message, if it spreads enough, could possibly inspire the people of the world's most powerful nations to GET INVOLVED. Write your lawmakers and tell them that you want to see an end to the violence in Sudan and Chad.
i got to go qith the book signing with Mr. Jal and Ms. Giovanni at Barnes and Nobles last night and his story stuck with me but ma mom and i were upset dat we didn't get his autograph as well due to limited money...but i'm glad he is here and i'm glad he's telling his story and may God bless and keep u Mr. Jal always:-)
Emmanuel, Your destiny is a beautiful one. Yea, man, you have survived for a reason - to touch lives. I commend you for having a better outlook & attitude on life than most of us who take what we have for granted.
Finally something that you can say is great in the intertainment world. All those fools singing about gangster and drugs.. They should sing about how the real world is... Big Respect for this guy! Keep it up
Jal recounts his own story with similar grace & wisdom. Over music grounded in soukous & roots reggae, he fires off straightforward lyrics in a sweet voice. His account of time spent as a child warrior on "Forced to Sin" ("Lived with an AK-47 by my side/Slept with one eye open wide/Run/Duck/Play dead and hide") is horrific & filled with wretched details. Autobiographical material about Jal's life after he fled Sudan deals with nightmarish memories as he watches the conflict rage on.
On behalf of myself, the US, and all other nations that had and still have the ability to try and do something in Darfur, and Africa as a whole, I apologize. Its amazing you have survived Emmanuel Jal, and I offer nothing but the most amount of love and respect you deserve.... Peace my brother...
peace thank you for your story, thank you so much. My great grandfather was a freedom fighter in poland which is a part of where I feel my roots. not in a good or bad way, but just that is what it is. peace, thank you
This is really something special. I got Emmanuel's last album Ceasefire with Adbel Gabir Salim, and his story really hit me hard. The Western media really does not pay proper attention to the kind of atrocities that go on in Africa and its just amazing to hear from someone who suffered through it first hand. Artists find all kinds of inspiration but this is really very special I think
Not just him. He's been through sooooo much and he says he's not doin this for him. He's doin it for the kids goin through that shit now, and for the kids he was on the run with, who died or got out. He just happens to be a great writer and artist.
Washington Post online says the two most though-provoking hip-hop albums of the year are the new albums from the Roots and Emmanuel Jal. Hip-hop music with substance, a conscience and meaning from the heart. This is hip-hop with are responsibility to help others. There's a Warchild in all of us.
WOw amazing story through and through a lot told with little words this is amazing to me because ive never been touched before but now i have. thank you
i think its amazing that you have chosen to use your pain to make a difference rather than sit in anger! May He give you courage to continue this good work!... Maximum respect
I guess loosers will be loosers, I know very few that could go through what Jal went through. He deserves respect at the least, even if you dont like his music. grammasdouche would shit his pants insouthern Sudan if arab militia rode up on him. Jal has my respect and admiration. He had to fight the muslims at 8 years old and see so many things no child should see. Glad he's still here to tell us!
Emmanuel was a child soldier at the age of eight in his native Sudan in Africa. He was trained to kill with a machine gun. A few years later, he was smuggled into Kenya by a charity worker who was then accidentally killed in a car accident. Homeless, Jal was thrown into the slums of Kenya and had to fight for his life. Years later he turned to music and now resides in London. He plays the Mandela concert on June 27th. Warchild is his plea for nations to come together to aid Sumatra.
Your story really touched me... I know there are a lot of people that wanna make profit of your story.. Take care, question things and never do things that you don't wanna do! Hope all your wishes come true because you really deserve it!
I'm still reading his book right now lol I got it like last year but I had 2 other books too n I stopped reading em all n I just started this one again today
To hell with 50 cent and all those thug rappers this guy is the real deal he didn't choose this lifestyle he lived he was forced into it. Finally someone with lyrics that matter. Right up there with Wyclef and Common.
Clay, thanks for confirming the facts about Emmanuel. There are various reports on the Net and they all differ. I hear he might be recording a track with Kayne West, but I am sure this is just speculation. Next stop, Oprah (LOL). Whatever the case, like the Roots, Jal is an important addition to the hip-hop cannon. Long may he reign supreme.
Hello....I caught you on the The Hour lastnight.....your words moved me,and I am not a guy to get moved very often.Keep doing what your doing,spread the word.....PEACE BROTHER
SwissFandango, interestingly, Emmanuel's name means "God With Us". A thought to ponder, it wasn't God that neglected E. Jal, it was US. God has already empowered you & i help others. These atrocities happen because WE don't stand up & do something with the freedom & gifts we've been given. Rock on Emmanuel!!! You have inspired many for change & will continue to. Your message will go farther to many generations!
Take a band like the Roots. These guys have been under the radar for years but they still come back making intelligent music that spans a lot of musical genres including hip-hop, jazz and various. It's interesting how the Washington Post singled out Emmanuel Jal and the Roots' new albums as being THE two thought-provoking hip-hop albums of the year. Kanye West and 50 Cent please take note. The songs signify real issues & struggle. Let's stand together for peace & harmony.
With respectful, artful storytelling, Jal's "Warchild" and the Roots' "Rising Down," their best disc since "Things Fall Apart,"delve into broad issues of poverty, drugs and government corruption, and also tackle more specific ones, such as the plight of child soldiers in Africa.
The Roots & Jal Set The Hip-Hop Bar Higher. There is no longer any excuse for making mindless hip-hop. New albums from both Philadelphia's Roots & Sudanese rapper Emmanuel Jal are politically & musically engaging, invalidating other rappers' whiny claims that it's just way too hard to be thought-provoking and topical & still make money. With respectful, artful storytelling, Jal's "Warchild" and the Roots' "Rising Down," delve into issues of poverty, drugs, and government corruption.
wow, this song is even more awesome & meaningful now that I see the video and understand the comment about the warrior dance. I heard the interview on NPR and was in the middle of reading about child soldier. Great music, I'll definitely buy the CD soon. Keep it up!
Emmanuel is the new Bob Marley. The only difference is that he's from Sudan. And speaking of Sudan, the people of Southern Sudan need help. The Sudanese government in Northern Sudan is killing innocent civilians in Southern Sudan. It's all about oil money, weapons, power and great. Warchilds of the world unite one and all and stop this corruption once and for all. Emmanuel spreads the words of peace and harmoney.
yah he's dancing to it. it's the one thing he feels more then anything. notice how he slowlys builds into it every chorus. it's the fact that he was, and he survived shit i'd be dancing to.
My people, South Sudan is my country. I feel so ashame to call it my country, especially given the current affairs within the country. I left home as part of "Jesh El Amer" , the seeds to support the SPLA movemen when we become of age. Panyidou, Ethiopia was our homeland....we Jesh El Amer. our songs are on UA-cam, even though poorly recorded due to lack of technology at the time. John Garang Beny Achit Akol ku chier ku pei tou Niall,, John Garang Beny de Jedh Tarir. I was so skinny and flue prone. Every time higher government came to pick the best of the best, My head of our Pacilla won't even pick me. It was painful not to fight for my country but it also gave me a chance to learn A-B-C-D...e-f-g-h-I had the way our country is being governed. If Dr. John Garang was alive today and see this mess our country is in, what do you think would be his first reaction? My people, many people have died for our freedom. It is time we smarten up and appreciate the paste and move on to build the future together as South Sudanese, because South Sudan does not belongs to one tribe as some idiots thing. South Sudan belongs to all of us.
I look forward to seeing Emmanuel being interviewed on BBC1 TV's "This Week" programme between 11pm to 12 midnight GMT on Thursday June 26th, the night before he performs "Emma" at the 46664 Mandela concert in London's Hyde Park. Essential.
Last night at the 46664 Nelson Mandela concert, Emmanuel performed the song 'Emma' from his new 'Warchild' album. Peter Gabriel introduced Jal to the 50,000 strong audience and referred to him as the new Bob Marley. The performance was incredible and the Daily Telegraph newspaper in the UK says Jal's was the surprise performance of the night. Did anyone tape it? If so, can you post his performance on UA-cam?
Emmanuel Jal was a child soldier in the Sudanese Civil War at age seven. He grew up amid terrible violence and has risen above it to become something positive and productive. His message, if it spreads enough, could possibly inspire the people of the world's most powerful nations to GET INVOLVED. Write your lawmakers and tell them that you want to see an end to the violence in Sudan and Chad.
The eagle has landed. Emmanuel Jal is the new Bob Marley. Peace and joy to those who struggle. The outcome is bright. Save lives.
i got to go qith the book signing with Mr. Jal and Ms. Giovanni at Barnes and Nobles last night and his story stuck with me but ma mom and i were upset dat we didn't get his autograph as well due to limited money...but i'm glad he is here and i'm glad he's telling his story and may God bless and keep u Mr. Jal always:-)
Emmanuel, Your destiny is a beautiful one. Yea, man, you have survived for a reason - to touch lives. I commend you for having a better outlook & attitude on life than most of us who take what we have for granted.
You're an inspiration to people all over the world...
always remember that.
Peace.
❤❤❤❤The book is deeper...the Song is 😢Love this Bay Area feeling ❤️
This is one of the most beautiful songs of all time. The lyrics have so much meaning behind them.
Spiritual, healing and vital. Emmanuel Jal is the new Bob Marley. Wake up party people, wake up and help the people of Sudan.
Finally something that you can say is great in the intertainment world. All those fools singing about gangster and drugs.. They should sing about how the real world is... Big Respect for this guy! Keep it up
Jal recounts his own story with similar grace & wisdom. Over music grounded in soukous & roots reggae, he fires off straightforward lyrics in a sweet voice. His account of time spent as a child warrior on "Forced to Sin" ("Lived with an AK-47 by my side/Slept with one eye open wide/Run/Duck/Play dead and hide") is horrific & filled with wretched details. Autobiographical material about Jal's life after he fled Sudan deals with nightmarish memories as he watches the conflict rage on.
On behalf of myself, the US, and all other nations that had and still have the ability to try and do something in Darfur, and Africa as a whole, I apologize. Its amazing you have survived Emmanuel Jal, and I offer nothing but the most amount of love and respect you deserve.... Peace my brother...
peace thank you for your story, thank you so much. My great grandfather was a freedom fighter in poland which is a part of where I feel my roots. not in a good or bad way, but just that is what it is. peace, thank you
This is really something special. I got Emmanuel's last album Ceasefire with Adbel Gabir Salim, and his story really hit me hard. The Western media really does not pay proper attention to the kind of atrocities that go on in Africa and its just amazing to hear from someone who suffered through it first hand. Artists find all kinds of inspiration but this is really very special I think
best song ever
Love it. Help the people of Southern Sudan. Power now, more than ever before! Rise up brothers and sisters!!
Not just him. He's been through sooooo much and he says he's not doin this for him. He's doin it for the kids goin through that shit now, and for the kids he was on the run with, who died or got out. He just happens to be a great writer and artist.
Best song on the block. It’s a bop. Me and my teacher listen to this all the time
keep living brother. T.I.A ( This Is Africa)
we will one day have true peace and experience humility.
keep telling your story.
p.s i love the book
Simple and hits the message home. Am WOWED!!! You go Emmanuel.
WOw. Jal your doing it. I'm very proud of you gat naath. God will help you in everything that you do. A jin got naath for real. One love. Ms.Biel
This song was deep. A lot of emotion was put into it. I like it.
i love this song, emmanuel jal, is someone to take notice of, and respect.
stop the war.peace.great song,amazing story.
I can't stop watching this video. He is such a strong person.
Washington Post online says the two most though-provoking hip-hop albums of the year are the new albums from the Roots and Emmanuel Jal. Hip-hop music with substance, a conscience and meaning from the heart. This is hip-hop with are responsibility to help others. There's a Warchild in all of us.
I heard this guys story on NPR. He's really been through it, it's awesome to see him putting out such a good message after what he's been through.
The Beat really suits this guys style of Rhyming. Africa is still the next big thing waiting to blow in Hip Hop.
Anyone else study this in Religeos ed years ago and just randomly see it on your reccomended?
The dislikes are the soldiers that captured children
this song is amazing this is my new favorite artist omg just the most touching song ever
This guy means business. Save the people of Sudan. Political hip-hop with heart and soul. 50 Cent, please take note.
WOw amazing story through and through a lot told with little words this is amazing to me because ive never been touched before but now i have. thank you
i think its amazing that you have chosen to use your pain to make a difference rather than sit in anger! May He give you courage to continue this good work!... Maximum respect
his book is amazing, and his ability to convey through music and words is amazing.
This is why human rights are so important
just remembered my year 6 play and this guy was like a special guest
One of the best songs ever... Love it
what a artist
One of the best song in the world!
Great song! I don't normally care that much for Rap or HipHop but Jal is making me a believer!! Just found him on MySpace! ;~)
real good music and a real good movie
emanuel jal is the best !!!!!!!!!!!
I guess loosers will be loosers, I know very few that could go through what Jal went through. He deserves respect at the least, even if you dont like his music. grammasdouche would shit his pants insouthern Sudan if arab militia rode up on him.
Jal has my respect and admiration. He had to fight the muslims at 8 years old and see so many things no child should see. Glad he's still here to tell us!
Oh and the music is HOT!!! Lyrics of substance! Yeah!!
A STAR IS BORN!!
This is deep, much respect to you Emmanuel. Rise above...
As a war veteran, this song really touched me. I am glad you survived to tell your story, and you have touched lives.
Emmanuel was a child soldier at the age of eight in his native Sudan in Africa. He was trained to kill with a machine gun. A few years later, he was smuggled into Kenya by a charity worker who was then accidentally killed in a car accident. Homeless, Jal was thrown into the slums of Kenya and had to fight for his life. Years later he turned to music and now resides in London. He plays the Mandela concert on June 27th. Warchild is his plea for nations to come together to aid Sumatra.
Your story really touched me...
I know there are a lot of people that wanna make profit of your story..
Take care, question things and never do things that you don't wanna do!
Hope all your wishes come true because you really deserve it!
I'm a warchild !!! Good song, good video and amazing voice.
I totally agree with Nabis85. Warchild really says something. We need more music like this.
I'm still reading his book right now lol I got it like last year but I had 2 other books too n I stopped reading em all n I just started this one again today
This is bad ass, straight up raw uncut no lies told..
it's really touching... people like us really take things for granted these days :(
To hell with 50 cent and all those thug rappers this guy is the real deal he didn't choose this lifestyle he lived he was forced into it. Finally someone with lyrics that matter. Right up there with Wyclef and Common.
Our english teacher showed us this song today !! I love it
Omg same! Do you learn the British curriculum ( Cambridge etc.)
Clay, thanks for confirming the facts about Emmanuel. There are various reports on the Net and they all differ. I hear he might be recording a track with Kayne West, but I am sure this is just speculation. Next stop, Oprah (LOL). Whatever the case, like the Roots, Jal is an important addition to the hip-hop cannon. Long may he reign supreme.
Hello....I caught you on the The Hour lastnight.....your words moved me,and I am not a guy to get moved very often.Keep doing what your doing,spread the word.....PEACE BROTHER
SwissFandango, interestingly, Emmanuel's name means "God With Us". A thought to ponder, it wasn't God that neglected E. Jal, it was US. God has already empowered you & i help others. These atrocities happen because WE don't stand up & do something with the freedom & gifts we've been given. Rock on Emmanuel!!! You have inspired many for change & will continue to. Your message will go farther to many generations!
hip hop i feel a breath it aint dead thank you for putting a breath back it her lungs.
i cant stop watching this video, he has an amazing story, good beats and touching. i like how he dances too ^_^
awsome 1st hip hop song that mad sense in along time keep it up
nice job i love this song.....love peace in all world im from INDIA
i needed a song like that in a long time keep it up
Take a band like the Roots. These guys have been under the radar for years but they still come back making intelligent music that spans a lot of musical genres including hip-hop, jazz and various. It's interesting how the Washington Post singled out Emmanuel Jal and the Roots' new albums as being THE two thought-provoking hip-hop albums of the year. Kanye West and 50 Cent please take note. The songs signify real issues & struggle. Let's stand together for peace & harmony.
Tell it! Even rapping in ones first language is hard enough, not to mention doing it in a second language. He did a good job!
After reading your book it takes your music to a whole new level. Incredible message.
With respectful, artful storytelling, Jal's "Warchild" and the Roots' "Rising Down," their best disc since "Things Fall Apart,"delve into broad issues of poverty, drugs and government corruption, and also tackle more specific ones, such as the plight of child soldiers in Africa.
Great song! This is for real. Hardcore.
Genius becomes this Sudanese rapper!
its very sad...
war has no winner !
The Roots & Jal Set The Hip-Hop Bar Higher.
There is no longer any excuse for making mindless hip-hop. New albums from both Philadelphia's Roots & Sudanese rapper Emmanuel Jal are politically & musically engaging, invalidating other rappers' whiny claims that it's just way too hard to be thought-provoking and topical & still make money.
With respectful, artful storytelling, Jal's "Warchild" and the Roots' "Rising Down," delve into issues of poverty, drugs, and government corruption.
wow, this song is even more awesome & meaningful now that I see the video and understand the comment about the warrior dance. I heard the interview on NPR and was in the middle of reading about child soldier. Great music, I'll definitely buy the CD soon. Keep it up!
Emmanuel is the new Bob Marley. The only difference is that he's from Sudan. And speaking of Sudan, the people of Southern Sudan need help. The Sudanese government in Northern Sudan is killing innocent civilians in Southern Sudan. It's all about oil money, weapons, power and great. Warchilds of the world unite one and all and stop this corruption once and for all. Emmanuel spreads the words of peace and harmoney.
i love this beat and the lyrics.
you should see this guy live!! so much energy ... caught him last night, it was unbeleivable
Strong message Emmanuel.Thanks a lot.
yah he's dancing to it. it's the one thing he feels more then anything. notice how he slowlys builds into it every chorus. it's the fact that he was, and he survived shit i'd be dancing to.
Very poetic and cool. Nice job Disco Cowboy.
My people, South Sudan is my country. I feel so ashame to call it my country, especially given the current affairs within the country. I left home as part of "Jesh El Amer" , the seeds to support the SPLA movemen when we become of age. Panyidou, Ethiopia was our homeland....we Jesh El Amer. our songs are on UA-cam, even though poorly recorded due to lack of technology at the time. John Garang Beny Achit Akol ku chier ku pei tou Niall,, John Garang Beny de Jedh Tarir.
I was so skinny and flue prone. Every time higher government came to pick the best of the best, My head of our Pacilla won't even pick me. It was painful not to fight for my country but it also gave me a chance to learn A-B-C-D...e-f-g-h-I had the way our country is being governed.
If Dr. John Garang was alive today and see this mess our country is in, what do you think would be his first reaction? My people, many people have died for our freedom. It is time we smarten up and appreciate the paste and move on to build the future together as South Sudanese, because South Sudan does not belongs to one tribe as some idiots thing. South Sudan belongs to all of us.
Sumatra rock and roll. Essential!
respect man, emmanuel means 'god is with us'
complete and utter respect
this is my first time to watch it..quite good
i'm reading his book now, half way through it .. quite amazing
best rapper i've heard so far
very well put. excellent lyrics and good music
SpacemanSpiff Yhyh
I look forward to seeing Emmanuel being interviewed on BBC1 TV's "This Week" programme between 11pm to 12 midnight GMT on Thursday June 26th, the night before he performs "Emma" at the 46664 Mandela concert in London's Hyde Park. Essential.
Real inspiration, 🙏👏🏻👏🏻
Caraca esse vídeo e de 13 anos atrás velho..... Eu sou um cara do futuro assistindo.... Doidera
You came to my school and performed at our end of year assembaly you were brillint
Africa may need Jesus, but Sudan needs help from other nations. People are dying. Time to lend a hand for those in need.
Great song
Sad story
xxxxxxxxx
my sister bought your book and got it artographed for me, i am reading it right now and it is incredible, keep making the incredible music.
really feeling this 1, respect brotha and God bless you and yours, peace!
wow. beautiful.
Wow, what a cool idea. It would be interesting to see what Jal would do with Electric Avenue. Amazing!
Last night at the 46664 Nelson Mandela concert, Emmanuel performed the song 'Emma' from his new 'Warchild' album. Peter Gabriel introduced Jal to the 50,000 strong audience and referred to him as the new Bob Marley. The performance was incredible and the Daily Telegraph newspaper in the UK says Jal's was the surprise performance of the night. Did anyone tape it? If so, can you post his performance on UA-cam?
You are indeed an inspiration
Master Class ★★★★★★★
Wow!!!I heard him on the Cbc!!!you're soooo cooool!!!!:)
Who still listening in 2018?