Shammalee is an emerging South Sudanese artist and she has teamed up with hip hop artist Emmanuel Jal and Kenyan singer Angel Atieno to deliver a powerful collaboration titled “Crossover”. The song draws on inspiration from the loss of Shammalee’s mother and the challenges faced by young individuals as they navigate their journey to adulthood. The addition of Angel Atieno’s extraordinary vocals adds an extra layer of emotion to the already heartfelt track, both visually and audibly.
Both hailing from South Sudan, Shammalee and Emmanuel Jal find their stories intersecting as they share experiences of being refugees and enduring the pain of losing loved ones.
“Emmanuel Jal and I are both from South Sudan, I saw our stories crossing paths as we have both been refugees at one point in our lives and suffered the loss of our loved ones,” Shammalee says. “Looking up to Jal as a fellow country man who became successful against the odds through music, gave me the spirit to validate my dreams and the reassurance that there is always a way out.”
The music video for was filmed in the streets of Makongeni, Nairobi, by Kenyan director Nezzoh Montana. The visuals depict individuals in the community who utilise their strength and resilience to cross over and pursue their passions, visions, and goals. The video is used as a transformative power of determination.
Shammalee’s “Crossover” is a powerful collaboration and shows the ability of music to convey meaningful messages through captivating vocals, personal lyrics, and instrumentals. This song offers a glimpse into the personal journeys and triumphs of Shammalee, and her collaborators, and this heartfelt track not only showcase the talents of Shammalee, Emmanuel Jal, and Angel Atieno but also serve as a source of inspiration.
