Emmanuel Jal

A former child soldier turned activist and artist, using music and storytelling to advocate for peace and education in Africa

Emmanuel Jal (born 1980) is a Sudanese-Canadian musician, author, and activist who has made a profound difference through his journey from child soldier to global advocate for peace and education. Born in southern Sudan during the Second Sudanese Civil War (1983-2005), Jal was forced to join the Sudan People's Liberation Army as a child soldier at age seven. His traumatic experiences during the war, including losing his mother to famine, shaped his life's mission to empower marginalized communities through education and art.

In 1991, Jal was rescued by aid worker Emma McCune and relocated to Nairobi, Kenya. There he began his transformation through education and discovered music as a medium for healing and advocacy. Collaborating with UK-based musician Mike Leander, Jal released his debut album 《War Child》 in 2006, which chronicles his experiences in vivid storytelling and rap. The album's proceeds supported education programs in Sudan.

Jal's memoir 《War Child: A Childhood Lost and Found》 (2009) became an international bestseller, providing firsthand accounts of child soldiers' plight. He has since established the Gua Africa Foundation, focusing on education access for African youth, particularly girls. His music and advocacy campaigns have raised over $2 million for educational initiatives in South Sudan and Kenya.

Jal's influence extends to global stages through collaborations with artists like M.I.A. and appearances at TEDx events. His work was featured in the documentary 《God Grew Tired of Us》 (2006), which highlighted Sudanese refugees' struggles. By combining artistry with activism, Jal has redefined narratives around war-affected children and inspired countless individuals worldwide.