Melanesian Music

I was in Lae when the International Music Festival took place in August 2007. For me personally, PNG was finally taking the right path in promoting its music and the world’s music to its people and to the world.
This was not some one-night bash at a night club where adults convoy in to dance in drunken stupor with no genuine appreciation of the talents and music being performed.
The festival showcased Sanguma, George Telek along with Not Drowning Waving from Australia as well as other artists and talent groups that the country had to offer. Even PNG music veterans Glenn Low and the late John Wong were present to ensure the sound that people perceived was at its optimum.
It was a musical event for the whole family, fathers, mothers, and children of all ages had the opportunity to witness a myriad of melodies and performances for both the young and old alike.
Sadly for 2008 the International Music Festival could not take place for reasons unknown to me. Which for myself is a great disadvantage for PNG’s performing arts and culture. We can commend great bands such as Sanguma all we want with their contribution and achievements to the music industry in PNG and abroad, yet their music is taught and inspired to the handful at UPNG’s National Arts School. It is at events such as the International Music Festival where young and aspiring musical talents from the streets, villages and settlements can be exposed, educated and motivated to music such as Sanguma’s along with music and cultures from abroad.
When one mentions traditional culture in PNG, the first thing that would come to mind would be traditional singsing. Most if not all of what we showcase to maintain our identity and traditional roots is through traditional dance and chants.
So why not we host an event, invite the world, celebrate and perform to them both contemporary and traditional music from PNG that describes this country and it’s people as beautiful, diverse, unexpected and unique.