Emmanuel Jal just released his 6th studio album NAATH with his sister Nyaruach in honor of World Refugee Day.
From his start in life as a child soldier in the war-torn region of Southern Sudan in the early 1980s, Emmanuel Jal has come through huge personal struggles to become a successful and acclaimed recording artist and peace ambassador now living in Toronto, Canada.
Emmanuel has released five award nominated studio albums: The Key, Gua, Ceasefire, Warchild and See Me Mama.
His latest album NAATH, is the ancient word for the land and language surrounding the glorious Kingdom of Kush.
Carefully choosing this theme – Jal and Nyaruach’s music is often at odds with the image of war and poverty that has blighted South Sudan.
Instead, both artists choose to reflect upon the resilience and rich culture of their identity through their vibrant tones and messaging.
“South Sudan is still suffering from years of war and oppression, we feel it is our cultural responsibility to bring out the music and voices from our country.” – Emmanuel Jal
Emmanuel’s sister Nyaruach was also born in South Sudan at a similar time and was separated from the rest of her immediate family, including Jal, at the age of 4.
As years went on, the war intensified, she witnessed her family members killed and was raped by government officials. It wasn’t until 2004 that she was finally reunited with Jal in Nairobi.
“As siblings we were forced apart in our childhood through extreme circumstances, so we are excited to be united on this project to bring the sounds of our village to the mainstream.” – Emmanuel Jal
Through her story Nyaruach has become a vital spokesperson for women’s rights and education and has also joined the campaign to help her brother build a school in South Sudan.
Due to renewed violence in South Sudan and threats upon her life, Nyaruach has been forced to live in Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya where she has an uncertain future.
NAATH is now available throughApple Music, Spotify and Amazon.
