NOTES FROM UNDERGROUND
These days expatriate Sudanese rap artist Emmanuel Jal works with the likes of Alicia Keys and Fat Boy Slim, but his rise to international stardom has been both difficult and unlikely.
Born around 1980 (he is not sure of his exact birthdate) he was at the age of seven forcibly co-opted into one of the many rebel armies fighting for control of his ravaged country. A child soldier, he was exposed to unimaginable horror for years until he was rescued by an aid worker and smuggled into Kenya.
At that point, aged 11, life should have started to improve. Sadly, however, his aid worker mentor died suddenly, and the young Jal found himself living alone in the slums of Nairobi.
Somehow, he didn’t die or go crazy. Instead, he became involved in music and eventually released a rap single which became a hit in Kenya and received airplay in Britain. His first album followed, and his complex multilingual performance style, allied to his hard-won message of peace, won him a legion of fans in Europe, Britain and the USA.
Jal’s background lends his music a unique credibility, which he has been quick to exploit in the causes of ending poverty, rescuing child soldiers, arms control and, lately, building schools in the new nation of Southern Sudan. He has been invited to address the United Nations, played major festivals, and sung for Nelson Mandela.
He has also written a best-selling autobiography and been the subject of an award-winning documentary, both called War Child.
Next week, Emmanuel Jal will be in Sydney to take part in the Festival of Dangerous Ideas. He will give just one performance in Australia, at The Basement on Friday, October 7.
His performance – supported by some razor-sharp DJs – will kick off at 9.30pm. At 7pm, also at The Basement, the War Child documentary will receive its only Sydney showing. Tickets for the film screening are strictly limited.
We have four double passes to the whole film-and-show package to give away. To score one, simply call The Basement box office on 9251 2797.
For a full rundown of gigs at The Basement: www.thebasement.com.au
Contact the writer: amasterson@thebasement.net.au
BY ANDREW MASTERSON
