Does Emmanuel Jal: Does Art Make A Difference?

Rap as a musical genre is a difficult subject to talk about. Some dismiss the genre, thinking of it as a loud, rowdy, way for people to commercialize things, materialize people, and objectify women. Although some rappers produce music previously mentioned, some people tend to miss the exceptions to that notion. Rappers with true passion for change in the world, rappers who want to shed light on sensitive or unpopular topics, rappers who become revolutionaries. One rapper that fits that mold is Emmanuel Jal. Emmanuel Jal’s drive to educate people on child soldiering and peace, and his personal connection to what he’s rapping about creates a great example for teens on what is important in life. The middle school social studies curriculum should
In an interview with the New Statesman, a British magazine about politics and culture, Emmanuel Jal was asked, “Does art make a difference?” Jal answered saying, “Of course, because it speaks to your mind, your soul and spirit. Sometimes words are not needed and the simplicity of expressing yourself through an art form is one of the best ways of communication.” Jal was later asked, “Should politics and art mix?” He answered saying, “When there is a need, they should mix. In times of war, starvation, hunger and injustice, such tragedy can only be put aside if you allow yourself to be uplifted through music, film and dance. It can be used to communicate messages to the masses and create awareness, to influence the people positively...” These quotes help show Emmanuel Jal’s beliefs on music and it’s effect on people. These quotes also show how Emmanuel Jal can affect teens and others. He wants to make positive impacts on the lives of others, and he thinks the best way to do so is through music. By adding Emmanuel Jal to the middle school curriculum you help teach and encourage other ways for teens to express their ideas, like through
Emmanuel Jal’s inspiration is his life experiences, and his desire to educate the world on the issue of child soldiering. He wants being rescued from Sudan’s war to mean something to people. Emmanuel Jal has faced many hardships throughout his life. From losing parents and his childhood to the war in his country, and even losing the person that saved him from continuing to be a child soldier, simply saying Jal’s life was hard would be an understatement. Even though he faced those hardships he was able to persevere, and has even felt invigorated to spread information on child soldiering experiences, and the war within Sudan. He makes this apparent in his song, Warchild. In the song he describes his story as a warchild. A line in the song that represents his inspiration is, “I believe I've survived for a reason to tell my story to touch lives. I believe I've survived for a reason to tell my story to touch lives.” He repeats these lines throughout the song. This shows one of Jal’s inspirations because he believes that his rescue/survival’s purpose was so that he could tell his story to everyone. Another one of Jal’s inspirations is mentioned in his TED Conference session. He says he branded himself as a warchild, so that an old lady and young man who want to make a change can have a voice because they have no means to do so where he is from. He also said that he has voices