Jalal Akel jr.
Welcome
Discover the Journey of Jalal Akel Jr. Through Music, Art and more…
A multi-faceted Human Soul-Being; a Musician, Creator, Performer, and Artivist— Born and raised in what is known as Jerusalem. Jalal, aka. Jah-Layal is of Palestinian heritage, with both parents hailing from the Holy Land (Lifta).
Embracing the harmony of mind, body, and soul, Jalal’s spiritual essence flows through
every note he plays
Jalal bridges creativity with activism, using his music as a powerful voice for change and a reflection of his cultural roots
Capturing the essence of his art, Jalal blends his passion and skills to create medicinal music that resonates deeply, telling stories and healing vibration through every melody
education
2024
Ma’amal Cultural Foundation, Jerusalem
Foundations of Art Course with Benji Boyadgian
Online Courses In Progress:
Yogarenew School – 200 HR Yoga Teacher Training
Now You Know Studios – Herbalism
Yogalap – Qi Gong
2021
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Environmental Engineering
Focus: Water Engineering
Electives: Art Philosophy, Environmental Philosophy, Sustainable Living, Organic Farming
2020
Ananda Marga Yoga Organization
100 HR Yoga Teacher Training
PINE “Permaculture Insititute of the NorthEast”
Permaculture Design Certificate
group design of Maple Wood Farm in Amherst, MA
Expertise
2024
Live Performance:
Solo performance & MC @ Unite for Palestine Fundraising event for Gazan Families – Boston, USA
Solo performance & MC @ Embracing Palestine Fundraising event for Gazan Families – the Hidden Temple venue in Florence, MA, USA
2023
Bethlehem Site-Specific Theater Festival
Participated in the Bricks March and dance performance in Bethlehem with Theatrimgestizione Italian group through Al-Hara Theater in Beit Jala
2018
Urinetown: The Musical
Acted, danced, and sang in three different roles: Homeless Person, Police Officer, and Doctor at Tilden Arts Theater Productions
New Arab article
“Jalal recently released an album under his artist name Jahlayal in dedication to his Palestinian roots and spirituality with the hopes of spreading ‘healing;’ [in which he] documents the struggles under Israeli occupation and the beauty of Palestinian landscapes through piano and music.”
“When I say I am the Earth and the water [in the album], I speak of our deep connection to the land of Palestine,” Jalal says, referring to the poem titled Infinite in his digital album called Origin.”
“River of Joy is inspired by spring water in his father’s ancestral village of Lifta, while sounds of thunder in one of his songs represent the ‘evil forces’ or the occupation”
Culture de Palestine article
“Il présente la musique sous une forme paisible, sensible et sans filtre. Les sons de la nature symbolisent la vie dans les villages palestiniens et les références poétiques en arabe et en anglais soulignent ses liens avec ses racines ancestrales. “
Testimonials
“BROTHER!!! 🌈 I loved Origin ⚡️ amazing work brother — thank you for blessing us. You and I have to call soon — I hope the journey has been unfolding beautifully”
Christopher Francis HeartSong – May ‘23
“Hey man. I listened to your music today on the train. It’s really something. Those long piano pieces are haunting. Very beautiful. Strangely, they brought me back to some of the feelings I had when I went into the church of the nativity. Something ancient, deep, powerful. Very beautiful Jalal”
Michael – Feb ‘24
“I had it on while writing this morning and found it helpful for focus. Pretty powerful piece. Reminds me of Raag Bhairavi. Thanks for sharing!”
Jed Blume – November ‘23
“I cannot express my feelings after I heard the first 2 tracks of the album – i don’t know what kind of potions you use to create this masterpiece, but i want to tell you that I felt, especially while listening to Origin, that I am in a therapy session. I swear to God, since October 10th, I haven’t been able to cry because I’m just so numb to everything.
I literally had a 30 minute cry session – for the whole duration of Origin. I was crying for the whole track – and this is the longest i’ve cried since things happened on October 7th.
I also love how nature is at the focal point of the music … it’s so beautiful… just hearing the sounds of birds and the water … honestly, just unbelievable….
I feel like every Palestinian living abroad needs to listen to this album … especially my Gazzawi friends….
I honestly think that this music helps so much … Origin track is seriously healing … i want to send it to my friends from Gaza… because they would benefit from it so much !”
Hala – February ‘24