Emmanuel started his life as a child soldier in the war-torn region of Southern Sudan in the early 1980s. He was eventually rescued by a British aid worker Emma McCune and smuggled to Kenya where he overcame a huge number of struggles to become a successful and acclaimed recording artist and peace ambassador. He now lives in Toronto, Canada. Emmanuel has released seven award nominated studio albums: Shangah, Naath The Key, Gua, Ceasefire, Warchild and See Me Mama.
His live appearances have included Live 8, Nelson Mandela’s 90th Birthday Concert and the One Concert for his Holiness the Dalai Lama. He has collaborated and performed alongside artists such as Lauryn Hill, Xavier Rudd, Peter Gabriel, Nelly Furtado, Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, Joss Stone, Ed Sheeran, Nile Rodgers and Alicia Keys.
Emmanuel has now become one of the most sought after Afro Dance artists globally. Jal has garnered much success through his signature South Sudanese sound and collaborations such as his recent hit “Gorah” (with Nitefreak), launched by Diplo's Higher Ground label, the iconic "Kuar" with Henrik Schwarz/ FNC Omar, “Chagu” (with Moblack/ Henrik Schwarz), “Hey Mama” (Euggy, Suraj, FNX Omar,) “Birds” (with Folamour) and “Budah” (with Angelos & Keene) amongst many others. Emmanuel continues to bring a grounded authenticity to his music, emanating from his extraordinary person experience, emotion and infectious positivity.