Ten days before a holiday that calls for “Peace on Earth,” Sudanese child soldier turned activist-rapper, Emmanuel Jal, wants you to do something about it. So do George Clooney, Alicia Keys, Kofi Annan, Richard Branson, and Peter Gabriel. Just check out this video for Jal’s new charity single, “We Want Peace”.
The song – which features string arrangements from Gabriel – is a feel-good rap anthem that Jal hopes will attract attention to his We Want Peace campaign. The campaign seeks to raise awareness about a January 9th referendum that will decide whether or not Southern Sudan will remain a part of Sudan in general.
For those of us who have had our eyes and ears occupied by the all of the music news that’s happened this year, Jal’s website explains their take on the situation quite clearly. “Eighty percent of Sudan’s oil fields are in the south, making it a prime battleground to displace indigenous people,” they wrote in a press release, “Both North and South are preparing for war, leaving innocent people at grave risk for major human rights violations.”
The 30-year-old Jal knows a thing or two about those violations. As a child, he fled Sudan for Ethiopia in search of an education but soon found himself in the hands of Sudan’s People’s Liberation Army. He ended up fighting in the army for five years before being adopted by an aid worker who helped him put him through school. His story is undoubtedly inspiring and has garnered support from a slew of artists, actors, and dignitaries. Keys, Clooney, and Gabriel are just a few big names who have gotten behind the cause.
Check out the video – with an intro by Keys herself – and take part in the campaign by becoming a “Peace Soldier” and signing a petition at their official website. The song is available at iTunes and the clip is available for viewing below.
