New York, NY (Top40 Charts) Legendary South Sudanese pop star
Gordon Koang presents a new video for "Coronavirus," his recently released single off of his forthcoming Coronavirus /
Disco 12", out August 4th via
Music in Exile. Directed by Michael Rees-Lightfoot, the clip features
Gordon and his cousin/bandmate, Paul Biel in a colourful performance of the track. Animated subtitles adorn the screen, karaoke-style, inviting the audience to sing along and share Gordon's messages of hope!
Director Michael Rees-Lightfoot elaborates: "It's always such a pleasure to work with
Gordon and Paul. Their kinship is contagious and I always leave their presence with a sense of positivity. The last eighteen months has been such a difficult time for everyone so it's great to see they haven't lost any of their cheekiness and are still perpetually buoyant. Despite 'Coronavirus' ultimately being about the devastation the pandemic has caused to the world, it still leaves you with a feeling of hope and optimism. I always look forward to working with
Music In
Exile and champion their values of difference and diversity within the music industry."
"Coronavirus" was penned by Koang in July 2020 as a response to his personal experiences of the global pandemic. As his hometown of Melbourne went into lockdown,
Gordon resided in the outer suburbs of Melbourne with his cousin, Paul, and his four-stringed, guitar-like instrument, the thom. Throughout this single,
Gordon offers his condolences to those affected by the pandemic, alongside messages of his faith in frontline workers and the hope that circumstances will improve soon. "People suffer a lot. I ask that God gives the doctors the big wisdom to defeat the coronavirus. When people hear my song, I hope that this music counsels them. The song has a lot of meaning, it is telling them to be hopeful."
Taking a last minute opportunity following numerous tour and festival cancellations,
Gordon and Paul travelled to Africa and whilst excited to visit their families, they also experienced the impact of the pandemic on their home communities. "In Africa, it is not like us here, there is no medicine and in Africa there is also no Centrelink if you are in lockdown. It is difficult getting services. Even getting food is difficult." After two weeks in hotel quarantine,
Gordon and Paul returned to Melbourne, eager to record music once more. With lockdown lifting,
Gordon headed to the studio with a new band featuring Zak Olsen (ORB, Traffik Island) Jack Kong (Baked Beans, Traffik Island),
David "Daff" Gravolin (ORB), and
Jesse Williams (Leah Senior, Girlatones). This new release is the result of these studio sessions, jamming and recording at Button Pusher in Preston, Melbourne.
The Coronavirus /
Disco 12" will feature a pull-out poster from Gordon, encouraging listeners to stay positive during this difficult time.
