Biography
Jalal’s story
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). He discovered his artistic passion early on during painting lessons at the age of 10, and obtained his first classical guitar at age 11. Growing up in Jerusalem, Jalal had always been engaged with the arts in various forms. Despite being multi-passionate, he has focussed primarily on music in recent years as he strongly believes in the healing power of Music
Mission
Jalal’s mission is to allow healing to happen through Musical medicine. He also strives to speak, and demonstrate his Truth through Musical creativity. In addition, he constantly attempts to capture and convey the daily experiences of human life in Palestine, specifically in Jerusalem. As a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter, Jalal Akel Jr. uses his diverse skills—playing the Piano, Guitar, Percussion, and Wooden Flute—to express and document the struggles and narratives of his people. By intertwining personal and collective stories, Jalal aims to showcase the complex beauty of human nature, through shedding light on the resilience and magic of the human soul generally, and of Palestinians particularly
Vision
Jalal envisions a world where music serves as an awakening bridge between the personal and the universal. His craft, such as the recent album “Origin,” intends to narrate not only the intimate stories of his own ancestral life, but also the broader cosmic connection of human experience. He seeks to elevate the Palestinian narrative on both the microcosmic and macrocosmic scale, weaving understanding and empathy across cultural and geographic boundaries
Expertise
2024
Solo set performance & MC @ Unite for Palestine Fundraising event for Gazan Families – Boston, USA
Solo set performance & MC @ Embracing Palestine Fundraising event for Gazan Families – the Hidden Temple venue in Florence, MA, USA
Poem performance @ Echoes for Gaza – Heal Palestine fundraising event – Baby’s All Right venue in Brooklyn, NY , USA
Virtual Performance @ Valley for Gaza benefit concert – Marigold Theater in Easthampton, MA USA
Piano/Keys/Vocals in Music Band in Ramallah – Palestine Music Space
Piano Residency and Qanun Classes – Edward Said National Conservatory in Jerusalem
Piano Residency – Magnificat Academy of Music in Jerusalem
Faith and Safety – Yoga & Movement Workshop Facilitation – Farasheh Yoga Ramallah
2023
“ORIGIN” Album was mixed and produced at Monorikki Records in Chicago, and released on all major platforms
Bethlehem Site-Specific Theater Festival
Participated in the Bricks March and dance performance in Bethlehem with TeatrInGestAzione Italian group through Al-Hara Theater in Beit Jala
2021
Kamandjati Academy Piano [unofficial] Residency
Utilized a Piano studio as a practice space for about 6 months in Ramallah, where I recorded my album “ORIGIN” in June 2021
The Bloomers Music Band Revival Photoshoot
Modeled as a guitar player with Nol Collective
Graduation Ceremony Performance Art
Performed my graduation ritual during the Dignity Uprising Protests and Clashes on May 15, 2021, in Beit Eil, Ramallah
Hatha Yoga – Yoga teaching for elders at The Expertise Forum in Ramallah Yoga instruction
2018
Urinetown: The Musical
Acted, danced, and sang in three different roles: Homeless Person, Police Officer, and Doctor at Tilden Arts Theater Productions
2017
Pianist in Jazz Ensemble
Performed 10 songs as a Pianist in a Jazz Ensemble Concert at Cape Cod Community College