Emmanuel Jal + United Freedom Collective + Rush Down (DJ)

Based in the unique sounds and traditional afrobeat from South  Sudan, Jal's music reflects upon the resilience of his history and  heritage.

Rapper,  singer, actor, activist, and public speaker Emmanuel Jal overcame grave  dangers and adversity growing up to become a world-renowned talent. He  escaped life as a Sudanese child soldier and began making music in the  early 2000s, cultivating a specific brand of hip-hop that reflected his  political and spiritual beliefs. Over the years Jal would collaborate with stars such as Nelly Furtado, Peter Gabriel, and RUN D.M.C.'s Darryl  McDaniels, bringing messages of peace and enlightenment to albums like  2008's War Child and 2014's The Key. He also contributed to his sister  Nyaruach's Juno Award-nominated 2018 album Naath.

Jal was born in  South Sudan around 1980. His mother died when he was still a young child  of seven or so, and Jal was forced into a military training camp in…