Gordon Koang - "South Sudan"

Photo by Duncan Wright

Nuer musician Gordon Koang was born blind in what is now South Sudan. He began playing music on the streets of Juba, has fought for the independence of South Sudan, and is known there as the "King of Music." However, he recently moved to Australia as an asylum seeker, and was granted permanent residency right after finishing his latest album.

"South Sudan" is the latest single off that album. It's about a man Koang knew in South Sudan and his work to keep the community out of poverty. The song is an absolute celebration. I doubt many of our readers understand Nuer (Koang's native language), but music this joyful can still be widely enjoyed. Unity features Koang collaborating with Australian musicians, giving the songs a true cross cultural feel and appeal. "South Sudan" is true folk music, and even if you're not usually a seeker of World music, you owe it to yourself to experience this song.

You can watch the video for "South Sudan" below. Unity, the eleventh album from Gordon Koang, will be out August 14 on Music in Exile / Light in the Attic. You can pre-order a copy here. For more on Gordon Koang, check out the artist's Facebook.