Day 469 - We Want Peace

September 21^st was a day to remember here in Juba. As I describe it, Juba experienced its first legit concert. A group of my friends and I got together and made out way to Independence Hall, where we joined hundreds of South Sudanese and expats in the large hall, anticipating the moment when Darryl (D.M.C) McDaniels would step on stage and a great moment it was. Along with three local artists, Darryl was opening for the main attraction, Emmanuel Jal, a South Sudanese musician and former child soldier on a mission to bring peace to the world and his home country through music. It was amazing to have the opportunity to see D.M.C. perform, and even more so to see Emmanuel Jal, a South Sudanese performer. It was an incredible show, with so much energy, and a message that Emmaunel Jal is successfully spreading around the world.

Emmanuel’s campaign is called We Want Peace and it has a simple goal: to raise awareness on the fundamental principles of justice, equality, unification and conflict prevention, through the power of music, worldwide.  This campaign has high profile supporters like Alicia Keys, George Klooney, Kofi Annan, Jimmy Carter, and the list goes on. Emmanuel has a hit song, which was written in dedication to South Sudan’s historic referendum. It is a powerful song and you should all go and listen to it now.

It is inspiring that a former child soldier, is using his story, his experiences and using those to create a movement, encouraging people to take a stand all through his words and his voice.

“We want peace and we’re gonna get it!”