Emmanuel Jal and STORRY want you to ‘Choose Love’

South Sudanese rapper and activist Emmanuel Jal has released a new single with the Canadian singer and visual artist STORRY to raise money for Choose Love, a non-profit organisation supporting refugees and displaced people across the globe. The track is titled ‘Choose Love’ and is out now via Wired Music.

Intent on inspiring optimism and celebrating love in times of violence and hatred, Jal and STORRY spread their positive message (“Choose love, be the light”) over an addictive amapiano beat, with smooth yet spirited vocals influenced by the sounds of hip hop and R&B.

With a vibrant, dance-powered music video shot in Kenya by director Andere, all profits from the song will go directly to Choose Love. Since its beginnings in 2015, Choose Love has helped almost five million refugees and displaced people, and supported over 250 community and grassroots organisations across 36 countries.

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A victim of forced displacement and a former child soldier in South Sudan in the early 1980s, Emmanuel Jal knows first-hand the importance of the work that charities like Choose Love do. In a video shared on Instagram, he says, “You will never know the potential of any child or any human being unless that person has an opportunity.” Now a successful, internationally acclaimed artist based in Toronto, with six studio albums and features from Nile Rodgers and Nelly Furtado, Jal tries to give back to those in need and encourages others to do the same. He hopes this song will “launch a campaign for people around the world to become soldiers of Love.”

Jal also has his own charity, Gua Africa, which provides educational programmes and vocational training to people affected by war and displacement in East Africa – particularly in Kenya. Having worked with Gua Africa for some time, Choose Love was grateful to Jal for his continued cooperation.

“We have worked with Emmanuel for years and have the honour of supporting his incredible organisation Gua Africa, who are transforming lives every day. The fact that he has created this in our name is the most precious gift. Both STORRY and Emmanuel are not only phenomenally gifted musicians but also immensely passionate humanitarians and activists. It is a great privilege to have their support and to be a part of this project.” said its Director of Partnerships and founding member Philli Boyle.

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STORRY too has an inspiring story of perseverance and determination, which feeds into the artists’ shared vision of hope and empowerment. The Juno-nominated singer/songwriter, who has worked with the likes of Sly & Robbie, Burna Boy and Stormzy, delves into personal themes surrounding her experience as a survivor of sex trafficking in her second full-length album ‘Chapter 2: Run’. Defying the restraints of one genre, STORRY’s music spans R&B, soul, hip hop, reggae, funk and pop. She wants those who listen to ‘Choose Love’ “to remember that darkness is inescapable, but it’s only temporary, and that the sun always rises.”

Watch the video to 'Choose Love' below and buy/stream the track here.

Meena Sears is Mixmag's Digital Intern, follow her on Instagram