Sting wrote ‘Englishman in New York’ about the legendary Quentin Crisp, who Sting recalls as “one of the most courageous people” he has ever met — an icon who was “openly gay not only when it was dangerous, but when it was against the law.” The two met in New York shortly after Quentin had moved from London to a Bowery apartment in Manhattan, inspiring the track title and lyrics. The song was originally released on Sting’s second album ‘…Nothing Like The Sun’ in 1987. To celebrate the release of ‘Duets,’ Sting and African artist Shirazee have recorded a brand new duet entitled ‘Englishman / African In New York,’ inspired by Shirazee’s remake of the classic hit. Sting describes the song as a “message of positivity and hope in these dark times."