Almost exactly a year ago, former child soldier turned musician made a commitment to raise funds to build schools in Sudan and Eastern Africa Prior to his rescue by an international aid worker, Emmanuel had endured the worst atrocities thinkable for a human being, let alone a child Since then he has used his powerful testimony, along with GUA, the charity he established, to bring more awareness to the plight of children in the impoverished parts of those regions. In August 2009 he was invited to tell his story at the immensely popular TED conference:
Hip-hop star Emmanuel Jal first exploded into dance halls with Gua in 2005. His music has energized music lovers of all ethnicities and nations. But Jal’s life story is far darker. Swept up into the Sudanese rebel army at age seven, he finally escaped with 400 fellow soldiers, 16 of whom survived, the rest succumbing to starvation, ambush and animal attacks. Rather than resort to cannibalism, Jal ate snails and vultures until he arrived at a refugee camp, where he was adopted by aid worker Emma McCune and later sent to England.
Jal found an outlet for his turbulent life story in music. His lyrics tell moving and disturbing stories, but wrap them into hope and love. He is active in charity work across Africa, fighting against poverty and child warfare. War Child, his biography, was released in early 2009 along with a documentary film.
“Jal’s narrative flows between darkness and light, the terror that befell his family and kinsmen, the horrors he went on to inflict upon others, and a deep-seated desire to set things right.” Washington Post
For those who forgot… Vieux Farka Touré, despite his name (vieux = old in French) is not Ali Farka Touré ancestor, but his own SON!! He’s been on the road pushing his dad’s legacy worldwide, and even counts Ahmed Fofana as one of his musicians, often his small orchestra’s conductor actually. On this one he gets the electro treatment courtesy of Sabbo, our favorite kuduro inspired Israeli producer, who’s already done damage with the Ze Bula remixes. This one being the track Fondo, coming out on Six Degrees. Read about it here or download the remix directly:
(From SMMOA’s website): Come and browse the pop-up exhibition and holiday gift store featuring Robbie Conal’s artwork and new book. Not Your Typical Political Animal includes a combination of paintings and drawings that illustrate Conal’s sharp, satirical takes on past and current events with subtle and often acutely personal portraits of his own pet cats, dogs, exotic frogs, fish, and fowl.
Conal will be on-site and available for signing. Enjoy a shopping extravaganza with themed refreshments and music by DJ BBRAVE – hosted by GRACIE, SMMoA’s retail shop.
Original limited-edition animal prints will be available, along with luxurious cashmere sweaters, vintage t-shirts, and cotton hoodies – all featuring portraits of Conal’s unusual animals. Back by popular demand, for this special event, GRACIE will also reissue artist Lynn Hanson’s famous ‘crow’ merchandise. Other animal gifts include Fuzzy Nation ™ doggy paraphernalia and Vanishing Creatures chocolates.
The Conal pop-up exhibition and holiday gift store will remain open for last-minute shopping through December 23, 2009. Unique holiday gifts include magic growing Christmas trees, Obama tree ornaments, and peace sign menorahs!
Awesome, AWESOME mix of early (earlier?) kuduro, by Galliano, the first western dood we knew to push kuduro back in 2005 – 2006. If you read French, this interview is very interesting, it’s nice to see someone speak openly, even if it might piss people off. And it will ;p
Bintou Simporé is following up with Akwaaba’s founder Benjamin Lebrave, after a first interview in december 2008, right after the launch of our first release.
Bintou is the historic “sono mondiale” pusher, big supporter of a wide range of sounds from Africa – her show Néo Géo’s been on the air since 1992!! Learn about Bintou – and practice your French – here.
What? Where? When? 6pm Paris time (GMT + 1), 101.5FM in Paris, novaplanet.com for the rest of us.
