Emmanuel Jal

Rapper, singer, actor, activist, and public speaker Emmanuel Jal makes music that blends multiple cultural and stylistic identities. He overcame grave dangers and adversity growing up to become a world-renowned talent. Jal 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, he 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. From there, Jal released the 2022 LP Shangah and singles like the house-inflected "Chaak" in 2025.