Brad Listi: War Child: An Interview with Sudanese Hip-Hop Star Emmanuel Jal

Emmanuel Jal is perhaps the unlikeliest of the world's hip-hop stars. A former child soldier in Sudan's brutal civil war, his life is a tale of both unspeakable tragedy and incredible triumph. Certainly no one in music has overcome longer odds on his way to success. Jal is now the subject of C. Karim Chrobog's award-winning documentary War Child , which makes its debut in select theaters this month. War Child chronicles the odyssey of Jal's existence, from his conscription into the military at age seven to his present-day existence as a musician, advocate, philanthropist, and de facto ambassador for the Sudanese people. I recently had the pleasure of talking with Jal about his homeland, his music, and the film that was born of his remarkable story.       Going back to your childhood and your time as a soldier: You were made to do many things that would be unimaginable for most adults, let alone a young boy. Is it possible to make sense of ... (link)