Gordon Koang: “South Sudan” via Melbourne, Australia

<p>Gordon Koang, a blind Nuer musician from what is now South Sudan, made 10 albums back home and became a local celebrity in Juba before going into exile in Australia in 2013. Leaving wives and families behind, Koang and his percussionist/accompanist cousin, Paul Biel, set about establishing a career in Melbourne and sending funds to relatives back home. Quite a story, but the best part is their music is a rare and marvelous shot of South Sudanese folk pop. Koang plays the <em>thom</em>, an East African harp not unlike the Ethiopian <em>krar</em>. He sings in a reedy, tuneful tenor and writes very catchy songs.</p> <p>Koang’s 11th album, <em>Unity</em>, drops on Aug. 15. His single/video “South Sudan” has just gone public. Have a look, and be assured that we’ll be watching this remarkable artist who, along with Biel, recently became a legal resident in exile, and now proudly calls himself “Australian.”</p> <p><iframe loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wAFfa3FsTY0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0"></iframe></p> <p>Photos by Duncan Wright. </p>