Emmanuel Jal "The Key" Album Launch (Ottawa)

The potential of a young Bob Marley” –Peter Gabriel Toronto, Canada (October 7, 2014)–Rapper, humanitarian, author and actor Emmanuel Jal will be releasing his fifth studio album TheKey (Gatwitch/Universal) at Ottawa's Zaphod Beeblebrox(27 York St.) On October 17, 2014. At this exclusive "live" concert appearance, including special guests Afro-electronic wizYoung Paris(NYC) and buzzy soul songstress Tanika Charles, Jal will be premiering songs from his new13 track album which includes collaborations with Grammy Winners Nile Rodgers (who produced the lead single “My Power”) and Nelly Furtado (who appears on the duet “Scars” and “Party”).

The Key's release follows on the heels ofJal’sco-starring role in major motion picture The Good Lie featuring Reese Witherspoon– which world premiered at theToronto International Film Festival– that traces the journey of four young Sudanese refugees (based on The Lost Boys of Sudan) who win a lottery for relocation to the United States.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rw0p7wemCd8[/embed]

Jal was vaulted into global pop culture prominence after presenting his profound life story in both a book and documentary of the same name(WarChild) which outlined his gripping journey, going from being a child soldier conscripted into a bloody civil war, into later becoming a noted humanitarian and chart-topping rapper.

Jal has since collaborated and performed alongside world renowned talents including Peter Gabriel, Alicia Keys and Joss Stone,and had the honor of performing at the late Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday celebration in London. He has been featured on CNN, Time, USA Today, MTV, BBC, NY Times, Rolling Stone, NPR,CBC,eTalk and most recently appeared on the season premiere of The Queen Latifah Show on September 15th, where he got the Queen herself to dance to his buzzy Afro beat song "Dusu" which appears on The Key.

The Key is hands down Jal’s most ambitious and sonically adventurous music project to date. Recorded in Kenya, Uganda, London,NewYork, Connecticut and Toronto, and co-executive produced by in-demand A-list engineer Demacio “Demo” Castellon (Jay Z, Rihanna),The Key seamlessly blends traditional African music with contemporary urban, hip hop and global pop music rhythms, while incorporating EDM, reggae/dub, soul and Afro beat elements. It’s unapologetic “music with a message” that appeals to the urban and suburban, rural to cosmopolitan, and everything in between. Two songs from Emmanuel's album ("Scars" and "We Fall") are featured on the Warner Brothers' sound track from ‘The Good Lie’.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLe7KrcDtKo[/embed]

Other notable collaborators on The Key include Darryl “DMC” McDaniels (Run DMC), the widely popular African Children’s Choir, and Hit Room’sAnthony Marshall (Craig David). Emmanuel Jal is currently on the first leg of his North American and UK tour that hits the nation's capital at Zaphod Beeblebrox (27 York St.) on October 17th, 2014.

Emmanuel Jal “Live” In Concert With Special Guests Young Paris & Tanika Charles Friday, October 17th, 2014 Zaphod Beeblebrox,27 York St, Ottawa Doors at 8:00 p.m. Tickets $8 Advance (Available online at www.ticketweb.ca)

http://www.ticketweb.ca/Zaphod

19+ Contact: Dalton Higgins (647) 880 2355(m) /(647) 347 7138(p) daltonhiggins@gmail.com @emmanueljal

www.emmanueljal.com.