Emmanuel Jal

Emmanuel Jal is a racial equality speaker, recording artist, and social entrepreneur, renowned for his powerful message of activism and hope. A former child soldier from South Sudan, he now strives to protect the childhoods of others, advocating for peace, justice, and equality. As the founder of the charity Gua Africa, Emmanuel works to support those affected by war and poverty through education. He is also a social entrepreneur, having co-founded The Key is E, a platform empowering Africans through enterprise and learning. As a speaker, Emmanuel addresses racial equality, peacebuilding, mental health, and resilience, sharing his extraordinary journey from war to worldwide recognition. His talks inspire audiences to embrace compassion, take action for social justice, and create inclusive communities.

Emmanuel’s early life was marked by unimaginable hardship. Recruited as a child soldier at just seven years old, he endured years of violence during Sudan’s devastating civil war. After being rescued by British aid worker Emma McCune, he was smuggled to Kenya, where he began his education and found healing through music. Emmanuel’s personal experiences of conflict, survival, and redemption shaped his desire to speak out against inequality and injustice. His debut single, All We Need is Jesus, became a hit in Kenya in 2001, and his musical career has since flourished, allowing him to reach global audiences with his message of unity and peace.

In recent years, Emmanuel has released seven studio albums, including Shangah in 2022, and collaborated with his sister Nyaruach on the Juno-nominated Naath. He co-starred in the critically acclaimed film The Good Lie, highlighting the experiences of Sudanese refugees. Emmanuel was awarded the Dresden Peace Prize in 2014 for his dedication to peace and reconciliation. His autobiography, War Child, and the award-winning documentary of the same name, have brought his story to millions, fostering greater understanding of the challenges faced by former child soldiers.

Organisations hire Emmanuel because his life story is a testament to resilience, hope, and transformation. His experiences give him unique insight into racial inequality, trauma, and healing, making him a compelling and authentic speaker. Emmanuel inspires audiences to stand up for justice, embrace diversity, and work towards a more equitable world.