|
As a preview into Emmanuel Jal’s highly anticipated fourth album (scheduled for release in 2010) he is releasing a brand new single on December 2, 2009. The track is called “We Fall”, and was produced by Silvastone, and features the soulful vocalist, McKenzie Eddy and guitarist Sean O’Connell of Brooklyn-based Voodoo Farm. A link to the free downloadable single will be available on Jal’s website and MySpace page on December 2, 2009. December 2, 2009 marks the 1-year anniversary since Jal started his difficult fast, in which he has eaten only one meal a day in attempt to raise funds to build a school in Leer, Sudan through his non-profit foundation called GUA-Africa. Jal has personally donated the money he has saved during the fast towards the school construction project named in honour of Emma, the woman who saved him when he was a young child soldier in southern Sudan.
Jal explains his motivation for releasing the free single, “I am releasing this song as a free download to say ‘thank you’ to everyone who has donated to GUA-Africa, as well as anyone who listens, enjoys and is able to help - they can go to www.gua-africa.org to donate.”
The idea for the track was born when Jal met Fisher Stevens, a successful actor, director and producer, in New York in October. Both participated in the United Nations Day 2009 Concert to Honour United Nations Peacekeeping. Stevens introduced Jal to Damon Dash, an American label executive specializing almost exclusively in hip-hop music; a co-founder of Roc-A-Fella Records with Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter and Kareem "Biggs" Burke. UK-based rapper. Blak Twang, and Silvastone were also in attendance. Dash immediately suggested a recording session and a few minutes later all were in the studio.
McKenzie Eddy and Sean O'Connell of Voodoo Farm were introduced to Jal and his team at the new BlakRoc building in Tribeca, New York, where the studio was located. BlakRoc is the name of Dash’s project, a collaboration between rockers, The Black Keys, and rappers such as Mos Def, Q-Tip, Ludacris, and Raekwon, and many others. It is there the song was co-written by Emmanuel Jal, and Mckenzie; Blak Twang made further contributions in London.
The musician hopes that making the track free and available to download to friends, supporters and fans worldwide will allow the music to go viral, as well as allow for more awareness of the issues in Sudan and specifically provide opportunities for engagement and empowerment through the development of the educational facility and promotion of education throughout the nation. http://www.emmanueljal.org http://www.myspace.com/emmanueljal http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emmanuel_Jal
|
| Comments are submitted for possible publication on the condition that they may be edited. Poster's IP addresses are logged. |
|
Be first to comment on this article
