Gordon Koang Latest Artist To Win Levi’s Music Prize

The competition was tough at this year’s BIGSOUND, but Melbourne-based talent Gordon Koang is the latest showcasing act to be awarded Levi’s Music Prize.

Following two stunning showcases during the event, the singer-songwriter has received a prize of $30,000, including $25,000 in cash and $5,000 to assist with touring from Stage & Screen.

Of his showcase last night, The Music noted Koang “is as inspirational as you can get”, with the blind artist fleeing South Sudan – where he had an extensive musical history - amidst a civil uprising and re-establishing himself in Australia.

Upon receiving the award, Koang said: “I am standing before you as a blind person. I cannot see anything in this world but I put my mind to do music. I have been playing my instrument for 31 years and came to Australia in 2014 to seek asylum because Sudan has a war. God has blessed us by bringing our permanent residency and now we are here accepting this award at the BIGSOUND festival. Thank you BIGSOUND, thank you Levi's, God bless Australia and God bless Brisbane.”

Previous Levi’s Music Prize recipients include Ecca Vandal, Amyl & The Sniffers, Emerson Snowe, Stella Donnelly, Alex Lahey, Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever and Hatchie.

Check out theGuide for all upcoming Gordon Koang tour dates.