Gordon Koang

Gordon Koang’s positivity is unparalleled and unwavering. Messages of peace, love, and unity are prominent throughout his music and are sentiments that seem to become ever more relevant in our current global context. “My mother and father told me that you have to do a good thing in the world,” he explains. “That’s why I decided to have love in my songs, and then to have unity in my songs, and to have peace in my songs.” Given Gordon's incredible journey of resilience in the face of hardship, his steadfast position towards positivity and inclusion is even more impressive. Born blind and growing up in what is now South Sudan, Gordon began learning the thom - a four stringed, guitar-like instrument that has become the basis for his trademark sound. Accompanied by the thom, Gordon’s unfurling vocal melodies become his medium for sharing his life experiences and learnings. Although his songs discuss his first hand experience of the civil war of his homeland, the hardships that come with seeking asylum in Australia to escape political persecution, or the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, Gordon’s positivity is never-ending. Where one may easily slip into frustration and despair, Gordon’s music and lyrics always champion the perspective of faith and hope.