I am interested in researching Emmanuel Jal, a Sudanese
rapper who used to be a child soldier, and find out what draws him to rap and
what influences the way in which he writes, thinks, and composes his music as
an African national living in the United States. I will then compare my
findings with the literature on African Rap, African American Rap, and the
culture surrounding that community.
I read Emmanuel Jal’s book, War Child, and became
interested in his life and his music career in particular. I plan on interviewing Jal and asking
questions mainly pertaining to his inspiration and why he chose rap music (as
opposed to other genres). I am
interested in his musical background and how and why he identifies with rap
music. I wish to examine the correlation
between his answers and what I find in the literature pertaining to rap music
in America, Africa, and the people that it attracts.
