Renowned South Sudanese artist and peace ambassador Emmanuel Jal is set to host the second edition of the Jal Gua Afro House Festival on December 20, 2024, at Koda, Nairobi. The highly anticipated event promises a vibrant celebration of Afro House music, African culture, and emerging talents, solidifying its place as a must-attend cultural highlight in Nairobi.
The brainchild of Emmanuel Jal, the Jal Gua Festival seeks to merge music and culture while giving budding artists a platform to showcase their talent. A global recording artist and advocate for peace, Jal splits his time between Toronto, Nairobi, and Juba. His journey from a former child soldier in South Sudan to an internationally recognized artist and humanitarian has inspired many.
The festival is a reflection of his passion for giving back. Through initiatives like Gua Africa, a UK/Kenyan charity supporting those impacted by conflict and displacement, and the recently launched Jal Gua DJ Academy, Jal is empowering young talents, including students from the Kakuma refugee camp.
“This festival is at the heart of Jal Gua’s mission,” Jal shared. “We want to showcase these students to the world, providing them a platform to achieve greatness, on par with icons like Black Coffee.”
A Stellar Lineup
The 2024 festival boasts an impressive lineup, headlined by Miishu, a frequent collaborator of Jal, alongside Juliani and Tandrah Souls. Adding a unique twist to the event, Juliani, celebrated for his socially conscious hip-hop music, will debut as a DJ, further diversifying his illustrious career. Other performers include Emo Rugene, Tina Ardor, ShammaLee, Wandat, and Afula, ensuring a diverse and electrifying musical experience for attendees.
The festival will also premiere a new single by ShammaLee and Emmanuel Jal, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event.
Fashion Meets Culture
The Jal Gua Festival is not just about music. Budding fashion designer Shiko Onyango, founder of Tribal Trends, will direct the fashion and cultural aspects of the show. Guests can expect a showcase of African heritage through creative designs and cultural expressions.
Supporting Emerging Talent
At the core of the festival is the Jal Gua DJ Academy, which was established in January 2024. The academy focuses on nurturing artists from diverse backgrounds, including underprivileged communities and refugees. Jal emphasizes the festival’s mission to uplift young talents by offering them a global stage to shine.
“This is more than a festival. It’s about giving young artists a chance to rise and share their art with the world,” Jal explained.
Building on Last Year’s Success
The inaugural Jal Gua Festival in 2023 drew 450 attendees, and this year’s edition aims to double that number. With an exciting lineup, fresh talent, and an engaging cultural showcase, the festival is poised to attract an even larger audience.
Looking Ahead
Jal Gua is more than a one-off event. It is part of a quarterly series, with the next edition already in the works for early 2025. Jal envisions the festival as a platform for emerging talents to build their careers while creating joyful experiences for audiences.
“We want to bring joy and happiness to people through high-quality experiences that spotlight new talents and well-established artists, DJs, and producers,” Jal added.
An Unmissable Event
The Jal Gua Afro House Festival is set to be a cultural extravaganza, blending music, fashion, and African heritage. For fans of Afro House and supporters of emerging talent, the festival promises an unforgettable evening of entertainment and inspiration.
Tickets are now on sale, and anticipation is building for what is expected to be one of Nairobi’s standout events this December.
