Today, South Sudanese artist, author, and former child soldier Emmanuel Jal teams up with South African producer Bun Xapa to release a new collaborative single, ‘Chaak.’ The new track is out now via Higher Ground.
The message behind Emmanuel’s hit from last year, ‘Gorah’—also out on Higher Ground with 75M+ streams and at #1 peak on Beatport’s Afro House chart—was pointed towards checking in with loved ones to ask, “We edian?” (lyrics translated from the Naath/Nuer language to “How is it going?”).
Now, on ‘Chaak,’ Emmanuel sings about manifestation and looks ahead to a time when his people can “bathe in milk”—an African expression meaning to be wealthy; not just financially but also physically and spiritually.
Emmanuel Jal and Bun Xapa initially came together at The Alchemist, a creative hub and event space in Nairobi, while Bun was on tour in Kenya. The duo hit it off immediately and started exchanging ideas. Emmanuel handed over the initial demo of ‘Chaak,’ which Bun then reworked with his signature powerful synths and irresistible rhythm.
Emmanuel Jal emerged as a rapper in Kenya with his song ‘Gua’ (covered by New York Times and BBC), which was the first turning point of his career in 2005. Since then, he has become an acclaimed recording artist and peace ambassador with seven studio albums and has performed alongside Lauryn Hill, Nile Rodgers, and at Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday.
