Ceasefire - Emmanuel Jal

...education.

Ceasefire is the product of both Jal and Abdel Gadir Salim, an Islamic older oud player from the North of Sudan, and not a stranger to the threat of war. Attacked by a fundamentalist who wanted to abolish music in the Sudanese region, their opposing backgrounds seem a perfect match for an anti-war album.

...And their styles are perfect antidotes. Old meets new, North Sudan meets South Sudan, Muslim meets ...
...anti-war sentiment especially poignant now with the troubles in Darfur, but also offering hope. And why not? With Jal and Salim at their sides, anything's possible...



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You can buy Ceasefire for the bargain price of £3.98 currently at amazon.co.uk!
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The story of Emmanuel Jal is one of hope, amazement and inspiration. Growing up in Sudan when the civil war broke out he was taken by the SPLA on the false promise of free education, and was forced to become one of Africa's many child soldiers. Escaping from the camp, and overcoming the deaths of many of his fellow fugitives, Jal was eventually adopted and smuggled into Kenya by an aid worker, where he completed his education.

Ceasefire is the product of both Jal and Abdel Gadir Salim, an Islamic older oud player from the North of Sudan, and not a stranger to the threat of war. Attacked by a fundamentalist who wanted to abolish music in the Sudanese region, their opposing backgrounds seem a perfect match for an anti-war album.

...And their styles are perfect antidotes. Old meets new, North Sudan meets South Sudan, Muslim meets Christian, traditional african music meets hip hop. This collaboration is not just a message sent to the world about the atrocities in Sudan, not to mention the rest of the world, it's also a groundbreaking piece of world music.

Jal raps in English, Nuer, Arabic, Kiswahili, and Dinka over a fusion of Sudanese folk rhythms (including Salim's signature Merdoun, the very distinctive 6/8 beat), more traditionally 'urban' backings, and Salim's masterful arrangements for various instruments including violins, saxophones, tabla and keyboards, not to mention the ever-present oud.

The first two songs, Aiwa and Elengwen showcase Jal's soft, yet firm style of rap, bringing out his youth and his wealth of experience. over a very much hip-hop-esque backing. He speaks of unity, religion, war in general, referring, albeit subtly, to his experiences.

Tracks three to five bring out the best of Salim, not only as a composer and arranger, but as a performer - a singer and instrumentalist. Ya Salem, a tribute to peace, also introduces the Merdoum All Stars, Salem's world-famous band, whose backing vocals and accompaniment provide the continuity behind Salim's ambitious improvisatory passages. Nyambol, the story of an orphaned girl escaping from a forced marriage and making something of her life, is the first real collaboration, and an excellent album track, while it lacks the immediate impact of Aiwa and Gua (see later), the fusion of Jal and Salim's vocals is a real hit. Lemon Bara is an atmospheric folk song by Salim, which expresses nostalgia and love.

Gua is the standout track on the album, in part due to the fantastic production. The symbolism of unity is expressed in the title - meaning both "good" in Nuer and "power" in Arabic. The is the most immediate and catchy record on the album; I bought the album having heard it on the Warchild record. For this reason, as well as its message of peace in Sudan, it has featured in various similar compilations, including the Rough Guide to Sudan. A great antidote to the mellowing calmer tracks that precede it.

The final four tracks continue with similar collaborations, but are much more celebratory, upbeat and cheerful. Reflecting the change in Sudan, including the 2005 peace deal, where both artists performed, it promises a bright, peaceful future for the Sudanese people. Whilst not quite living up to the power of the first half of the album, perhaps lacking an impact track like Gua or Aiwa, it is a good ending and one that leaves the listener brimming with optimism.

The CD's insert is very helpful, providing the reader with background information for all the tracks and the two artists, as well as English translations for all of Jal's raps. For a record where context is so important, the sleeve does a very good and necessary job.

I am always cynical of British and American popular music with anti-war (or, as is the case at the moment, anti-Bush) sentiments; it seems like a very easy card to play to gain listeners, support and money, without having anything particularly new and innovative to say. However, the backgrounds and contexts of these two musicians, combined with their evident passion for music, creates a real moral to the album, one that will be ever-relevant and topical.

All in all, a fantastic music record, well produced and a showcase of real talent. Accessible to the western listener, with a message; the anti-war sentiment especially poignant now with the troubles in Darfur, but also offering hope. And why not? With Jal and Salim at their sides, anything's possible...

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You can buy Ceasefire for the bargain price of £3.98 currently at amazon.co.uk!
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