From child soldier to internationally acclaimed musician and peace ambassador, Emmanuel Jal’s journey is one of extraordinary resilience and transformation.
Join us for a special evening in London as Emmanuel shares his story through conversation and live music — an inspiring experience that blends powerful storytelling with the energy and rhythm of his globally recognised sound.
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“I share my story for social emotional learning through the arts, business and philanthropy. I offer experiences with music, healing, education and healthy living — so that together we can create positive, global awakening.” — Emmanuel Jal
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Emmanuel Jal is a South Sudanese rapper, singer, actor, activist and public speaker whose work has transformed the lives of millions in his native homeland and beyond. From his early life as a child soldier during the civil war in Southern Sudan, he overcame immense personal challenges to become a globally recognised recording artist and advocate for peace and reconciliation.
Now living between Toronto and Nairobi, Emmanuel has built a career spanning more than two decades, earning worldwide acclaim for his distinctive fusion of hip-hop, Afro-pop and Afrohouse, rooted in his South Sudanese heritage and driven by messages of unity, resilience and hope.
Today he is also one of the most sought-after Afrohouse artists internationally, performing around the world as both a DJ and live performer. His music blends African rhythms with contemporary electronic and hip-hop influences, creating a sound that is both powerful and uplifting.
Emmanuel has created numerous high-profile collaborations including the global hit “Gorah” with Nitefreak, released on Diplo’s Higher Ground label, as well as “Kuar” with Henrik Schwarz and FNX Omar, and tracks such as “Chagu,” “Hey Mama,” “Birds,” and “Chaak.”
Over the course of his career he has released seven award-nominated studio albums including Shangah, Naath, The Key, See Me Mama, Warchild, Ceasefire, and Gua, and has received two Juno Award nominations for Best International Album.
His live appearances have included Live 8, Glastonbury Festival, Nelson Mandela’s 90th Birthday Concert, and the One Concert for His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and he has collaborated and performed alongside artists such as Lauryn Hill, Peter Gabriel, Nelly Furtado, Joss Stone, Ed Sheeran, Nile Rodgers, Alicia Keys and Darryl “DMC” McDaniels.
Talk & Conversation
The evening will begin with a short fireside conversation between Emmanuel Jal and Mary Ann Thompson-Frenk, co-founder of the Memnosyne Institute.
Together they will reflect on Emmanuel’s remarkable life journey and the ways music, creativity and collaboration can help build peace and opportunity for communities affected by conflict.
They will also discuss the emerging African Breadbasket Project, a collaboration between GUA Africa and the Memnosyne UK Chapter supporting Sudanese refugee families and local communities in East Africa to establish sustainable agricultural enterprises and long-term economic independence.
Live Music with Emmanuel Jal
Following the conversation, Emmanuel Jal will take to the stage for a live musical performance.
Known for his powerful storytelling and infectious rhythms, Emmanuel’s music combines hip-hop, African musical traditions and contemporary electronic influences. His performances are celebrated for their emotional depth and energy — creating a unique musical experience that connects audiences through rhythm, message and shared humanity.
An Evening with Emmanuel Jal in London, UK
Buy Tickets - £20.00
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An Evening with Emmanuel Jal in London, UK
Live Music Concert & Talk
Hosted by the Memnosyne UK Chapter Speaker Series
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From child soldier to internationally acclaimed musician and peace ambassador, Emmanuel Jal’s journey is one of extraordinary resilience and transformation.
Join us for a special evening in London as Emmanuel shares his story through conversation and live music — an inspiring experience that blends powerful storytelling with the energy and rhythm of his globally recognised sound.
.
“I share my story for social emotional learning through the arts, business and philanthropy. I offer experiences with music, healing, education and healthy living — so that together we can create positive, global awakening.”
— Emmanuel Jal
.
Emmanuel Jal is a South Sudanese rapper, singer, actor, activist and public speaker whose work has transformed the lives of millions in his native homeland and beyond. From his early life as a child soldier during the civil war in Southern Sudan, he overcame immense personal challenges to become a globally recognised recording artist and advocate for peace and reconciliation.
Now living between Toronto and Nairobi, Emmanuel has built a career spanning more than two decades, earning worldwide acclaim for his distinctive fusion of hip-hop, Afro-pop and Afrohouse, rooted in his South Sudanese heritage and driven by messages of unity, resilience and hope.
Today he is also one of the most sought-after Afrohouse artists internationally, performing around the world as both a DJ and live performer. His music blends African rhythms with contemporary electronic and hip-hop influences, creating a sound that is both powerful and uplifting.
Emmanuel has created numerous high-profile collaborations including the global hit “Gorah” with Nitefreak, released on Diplo’s Higher Ground label, as well as “Kuar” with Henrik Schwarz and FNX Omar, and tracks such as “Chagu,” “Hey Mama,” “Birds,” and “Chaak.”
Over the course of his career he has released seven award-nominated studio albums including Shangah, Naath, The Key, See Me Mama, Warchild, Ceasefire, and Gua, and has received two Juno Award nominations for Best International Album.
His live appearances have included Live 8, Glastonbury Festival, Nelson Mandela’s 90th Birthday Concert, and the One Concert for His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and he has collaborated and performed alongside artists such as Lauryn Hill, Peter Gabriel, Nelly Furtado, Joss Stone, Ed Sheeran, Nile Rodgers, Alicia Keys and Darryl “DMC” McDaniels.
Talk & Conversation
The evening will begin with a short fireside conversation between Emmanuel Jal and Mary Ann Thompson-Frenk, co-founder of the Memnosyne Institute.
Together they will reflect on Emmanuel’s remarkable life journey and the ways music, creativity and collaboration can help build peace and opportunity for communities affected by conflict.
They will also discuss the emerging African Breadbasket Project, a collaboration between GUA Africa and the Memnosyne UK Chapter supporting Sudanese refugee families and local communities in East Africa to establish sustainable agricultural enterprises and long-term economic independence.
Live Music with Emmanuel Jal
Following the conversation, Emmanuel Jal will take to the stage for a live musical performance.
Known for his powerful storytelling and infectious rhythms, Emmanuel’s music combines hip-hop, African musical traditions and contemporary electronic influences. His performances are celebrated for their emotional depth and energy — creating a unique musical experience that connects audiences through rhythm, message and shared humanity.
https://emmanueljal.com/
Event Details
Date: Thursday 26 March 2026 : 7.30pm – 10.00pm
Venue: The Chapel, Marylebone
Address: 32 Welbeck Street, London W1G 8EU
Programme:
Talk followed by live music performance.
Hosted by the Memnosyne UK Chapter
The Memnosyne UK Chapter Speaker Series brings together artists, thinkers and changemakers for evenings of conversation, culture and shared insight.