Juliani – Kenya

Raised in Nairobi’s eastern suburb of Dandora, home to many of Kenya’s hip-hop icons and legendary rap groups like Kalamashaka. Juliani knew from high school that he would follow in the footsteps of his idols, which lead to his fateful introduction to Ukco Fulani. From here is career took off; playing in nightclubs and local concerts.

His commitment to Christ in 2005 lead to his rise in the Kenyan Gospel Music scene, a scene he would take by storm shortly after entering it. In 2006, Juliani joined Kijiji Records, where he did several compilation records with Astar, Michelle Rigga, and Bupe. With these records they toured high schools and colleges throughout Kenya. Early in 2008, after the post-election violence in Kenya, he got together with other top Kenyan artists to record the multi-award winning Wakenya Pamoja single and video.

Juliani represented Kenya at the 2009 UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, he has supported the World Vision Peace Tour, Vina Na Maana (a campaign against Economic Partnership Agreements), Stand Up Against Poverty and Emmanuel Jal’s ‘We Want Peace’ campaign. He launched ‘KAMA SI SISI’ in early 2011.

Juliani has won multiple awards both in Kenya and the USA.

Vanessa Mdee – Tanzania

This Tanzanian media personality turned songstress is no stranger to the airwaves. A successful MTV Base Africa VJ and Choice FM Tanzania DJ – Vee Money as her friends and fans call her packs a mean punch.

Vanessa has become one of the country’s biggest musical stars. Seen clearly with the release of her solo single “Closer”, which in its first week was downloaded over 30,000 times. A feature achieved by no other Tanzanian artist. Vanessa is considered a breath of fresh air in a male dominated industry in Tanzania.

Vanessa has a true passion for helping others. Her charitable works includes representing MTV at the 2011 UNAIDS Mali Youth Summit in Bamako and the subsequent High Level meeting in Cape Town, South Africa, and co-founded (along with M. K. Asante) STANDWITH, under the UNAIDS umbrella. In 2012 Vanessa was recognized the by the GAVI Alliance for her support in the initiation of free vaccinations for Tanzanian children. Mdee officially became a GAVI Ambassador and an active voice against cervical cancer.

Syssi Mananga – Congo

Raised between two different continents by a Belgian father and Congolese mother, Syssi’s music reflects a creative cultural fusion of her African roots with hints of jazz, salsa, ramba and reggae.

Making some of her first appearances on stage in jazz clubs and piano bars in Bologna, Italy and Washington DC, USA Syssi is no stranger to the international music circuit. Back in Congo in 2011 Syssi devoted herself to composing, releasing her first album “Retour aux Sources.” On this album, you will hear songs in Lingala, French, English and Spanish. Syssi songs reflect her pride for her origins, the absurdity of war through the eyes of a child soldier, the courage to stand for freedom, the need for respect for the environment, as well as love and forgiveness.

Syssi is a strong believer in the therapeutic powers of music, founding Artistes en Herbe (Budding Artists) Project, which provides music classes to vulnerable kids in the Congo.

Emmanuel Jal – South Sudan

In the war-torn region of Southern Sudan, Emmanuel Jal was born into the life of a child solider. Through unbelievable struggles, Emmanuel managed to survive and emerge as a world-famous recording artist with a hit record under his belt. Called an artist “with the potential of a young Bob Marley” by Peter Gabriel, he has performed at Live 8 and Nelson Mandela’s 90th b-day concert.

Jal has released five studio albums to date: “Gua,” “Ceasefire,” “Warchild,” “See Me Mama,” and “The Key.” The Key is not only an album, but also a social enterprise The Key is E which aims to raise funds to benefit African entrepreneurs with a youth focus.

His music can be heard in major motion pictures, TV, and he’s been featured in major outlets like TIME, USA Today, NPR, CNN, MTV, & the BBC. Emmanuel had addressed the highest levels of government including the United Nations and is also a spokesperson for Amnesty International and Oxfam, and created the charitable foundation, Gua Africa and spearheaded the peace movement We Want Peace.