Emmanuel Jal
Q&A with the author of War Child: A Child Soldier's Story
by Alexis Chapman

Former child solider and acclaimed hip hop artist Emmanuel Jal was at Hart House for the release of his book War Child: A Child Soldier’s Story. Alexis Chapman had a chance to speak with him about his message of peace, the role of hip hop in it and what Canada can do to help.

Q: How has music helped you spread your message of peace, and why did you choose hip hop as the medium of expressing this message?
A: First of all, music is a therapy for me now. I’m doing it because it is healing; music makes me happy. There is something about music that reaches your soul, mind, heart, and I think without music in this world we would go crazy. I’ve [chosen the] form of rap because it’s one of the oldest acts of singing and a way to share a story. My music is inspired by American hip hop where they speak about their community and issues. This is how I can take my neighbourhood and share the issues happening in Sudan with the rest of the world. Through my music, through the visuals with my movie and now the book called War Child, I’m sharing details of what I’ve been through.

Q: Given the cultural, political and ethnic stresses influencing the instability in Sudan, what do you think needs to happen both inside and outside of the country in order for change to take place?
A: Education is very important. A lot of people don’t have access to education or to learn about their rights. For anything to happen, I believe the people have to be the ones to motivate. In Sudan we have been fighting for freedom and to be recognized like any other group of people. We are a Third World country according to the International Development Agency and through my music I’m calling out to the people, saying the situation is still bad and it is going to get worse. I’m calling out to the UN and other countries to let them know what is going on in Sudan. I’m asking for protection of Sudan, to help guard the civilians and to help us educate our people. I’m a voice for those who can’t speak for themselves. The message I have is for hope and peace.

Q: What can the Canadian government and the Canadian people do?
A: I feel the Canadian government has done a lot with Darfur, helping the UN, buying helicopters for soldiers [and] continu[ing] with monetary support. What I would say to the average Canadian is that sometimes help doesn’t just come in the way of money. It’s the phone call or the text that you send your Prime Minister or representative in parliament. It’s that small step, like deciding to raise awareness with a walk for peace. Governments all work together as allies and they don’t want to mess up their relationships. I believe that people have the power to change their government and there is a lot the people can do. As a child, education is the best investment that can happen. Yesterday I rang the bell at the stock exchange. People say this is a big deal, people from Africa call and say, "I saw you ring the bell!" This provides inspiration and motivation for me to continue to tell my journey, to tell my story.

For more info on Emmanuel Jal: www.emmanueljal.org