One of South Sudan's musical geniuses, the multilingual, multi-instrumentalist Gordon Koang Doath, will be playing this Friday at The Eastern Station Hotel in Ballarat.
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Renowned in the troubled country for his songs about peace, love, culture and unity, Koang and his cousin Paul Kiel are seeking permanent residency in Australia after escaping the ongoing civil war in South Sudan, which has killed over 400,000 people and displaced millions more.
They are appearing as part of the Music in Exile initiative run by Angela Schilling and Joe Alexander, which aims to create 'space for artists working in culturally or linguistically diverse communities in Australia.'
On his latest release through the Music In Exile label, Mal Mi Goa, Koang collaborates with local Melbourne musicians and producers to create what they describe as an 'upbeat, infectious track of danceable rhythm and catchy hooks.'
Paul Biel says he and his cousin first began playing together in 1988, when Paul brought his tabla to school; 31 years later they still enjoy touring, having performed around the world.
But they want to settle in Australia permanently, says Mr Kiel, a 'peaceful country' that offers them both security.
"We want to continue our lives here, playing here," says Paul Kiel.
"We spent three months here in 2012, played in Perth and just did very many gigs. Our lives here, we spend time playing in a lot of festivals and cultural meetings.
"Gordon, he is blind, he has been unable to see from his birth; and when the war broke out (in South Sudan) it was not a good place for him to be. There was too much killing. Australia is a better place to be. His career is as a songwriter, an amazing songwriter and a great musician; he writes and sings in English, Arabic and our native language, Neur."
Gordon Koang and Paul Kiel are hoping to raise enough funds and community awareness about their situation in an attempt to bring the rest of their families to Australia and settle safely. They are currently waiting on approval of their application for permanent residency in Australia, allowing them to once again travel and perform around the world.
Gordon Koang performs at The Eastern on Friday night from 8pm, with Amadou Suso and Allysha Joy. Tickets are $13 online and $15 at the door.