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emmanuel jal emmanuel jal

Gatwitch was founded in 2007 by a former child soldier, Emmanuel Jal, now an internationally acclaimed rapper. More information...

juliani album cover juliani

An ascending star of Kenyan hip hop, Juliani scooped two Kenyan Groove awards, including the hip hop song of the year. More information...

nyaruach nyaruach

Nyaruach is in the final stages of recording an album. Gatluak will be released by Gatwitch Records later this year. More information...

atemi atemi

Atemi released her first single, "Happy", in 2004; and in 2008 launched her debut album, "Hatimaye". More information...

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Products

War Child DVD
War Child
An award-winning documentary directed by C. Karim Chrobog.
Gua Album
Gua
Emmanuel Jal's first album is a mix of rap in Arabic, English, Kiswahili, Dinka and Nuer.
Mtaa Mentality Album
Mtaa Mentality
Juliani offers a different perspective on gospel music, as well as on hip hop.
Gatluak Mixtape
Gatluak Mixtape
Emmanuel Jal's sister, Nyaruach, is Gatwitch's newest rising star.
War Child T-shirt
War Child T-shirt
An armed boy stands on the front of the shirt, surrounded by bullet holes.

Gua - Emmanuel Jal

Purchase this album:  iTunes   amazon

Emmanuel Jal's first album, Gua, is a mix of rap in Arabic, English, Kiswahili, Dinka and Nuer. The symbolism of unity is expressed in the title, meaning both "good" in Nuer and "power" in Sudanese Arabic. The lyrics illustrate the desires of the Sudanese people to return to a peaceful, independent homeland. Although the only hip hop Jal had ever listened to while he was in Kenya was American, the beat to “Gua” is not the usual American hip hop, but rather is strongly African.

The title track, also called "Gua", was a number one hit in Kenya and featured on "The Rough Guide To The Music Of Sudan" and "Help: A Day In The Life", bringing together some of Britain's best known on a CD in aid of children in conflict zones (produced by War Child). Gua topped the music charts in East Africa and was played by BBC across the continent. It was Jal's breakthrough to the international market, earning him a spot on Bob Geldof's "Live 8" concert.

Gua lyrics (with translation)