Alston Koch, who was born in Sri Lanka andlater migrated to Sydney, is widely celebrated as Asia’s King of Pop, a title bestowed on him by the Australian and Asian music press.
On September 24, the Commonwealth Union announced the appointment of Koch as its envoy for Australia and the Pacific Region. As Envoy, Koch is expected to represent the Commonwealth Union and its objectives in line with the People’s Charter of the Commonwealth. Koch is also set to act as a consultant to the union, facilitating key introductions to boost outreach and international presence.
Throughout the years, Koch has built an extremely successful career, becoming the first Asian singer-songwriter to form his band Dark Tan and sign with the international record label RCA in the 1970s. His breakthrough came with the hit single Disco Lady in 1976, a song that dominated the charts in Sri Lanka and Australasia, outpacing international artists. Aided by legendary New York DJ Bobby Gattadaro, the track turned into a sensation in clubs across the United States and earned the singer an international Gold Record.
His success led to a special appearance with ABBA on their Australian tour and the televised ABBA special, one of the most-watched programs in Southern Hemisphere history. The recognition established Koch’s place as a significant figure of disco music in Australia. Music historian Glenn A. Baker dubbed him the “Purveyor of Disco Music in the Southern Hemisphere,” while Donnie Sutherland, one of Australia’s leading pop authorities, credited him with introducing disco to the country.
Over the years, Koch has been honored with a multitude of awards, including the “Global Entertainer of the Year 2018” at the Ada Derana Sri Lankan of the Year Awards and the “World Artist of the Year” at the Global Officials Dignity Awards at the United Nations in New York. He is also a recipient of certificates of recognition from the California State Senate and the United States Congress for his humanitarian work in improving lives across communities.
He has received ARIA Awards in Australia, along with gold and platinum records for his musical achievements. His versatility is reflected in his sporting anthems as well—he penned “Kookaburra,” the official song for Australia’s America’s Cup defense in 1986, and wrote the tribute to legendary cricketer Muttiah Muralitharan when he became the world’s leading wicket-taker.
Aside from his influence in the entertainment industry, Alston Koch has carved himself a reputation as a committed humanitarian and environmental advocate. As an Ambassador for Climate Change under ICTP, he has utilized his platform to promote environmental awareness and champion sustainable solutions, going so far as to write and perform songs addressing climate change at high-level global forums, including the UN WTO presentation in London and the Copenhagen Climate Conference.
Koch’s work as an ambassador for Sri Lanka Tourism, along with his connections with the Family Film Awards in the USA and the Arts for Peace Foundation, is a testament to his dedication towards conserving culture. Connecting diverse communities through music and advocacy, his lifelong work has established his appointment as the Commonwealth Union’s Envoy as both fitting and promising.
Alston Koch has also made a foray into cinema, having starred in and produced the Sri Lankan film According to Mathew, earning much praise for his gripping performance.
From performing beneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge in the 1970s to being hailed as a “Legend and Superstar” by Alicia Keys at the MTV Music Awards in 2005, the development of Koch’s career has proved to be incredibly inspiring.
In his recently appointed role as Envoy to Australia and the Pacific, Alston Koch offers years of experience, cultural impact, and international reach to the Commonwealth Union; his legacy as the King of Pop in Asia, along with his humanitarian efforts and dedication to sustainability, positions him as a noteworthy symbol of the Commonwealth’s values.
