The National Cultural Commission has provided K20,000 in financial support to Papua New Guinean reggae artist and Cultural Ambassador Anslom Nakikus for his upcoming international music engagements.

NCC Executive Director Steven Enomb Kilanda announced the funding during a press conference in Port Moresby, saying the Commission will provide K10,000 for Anslom’s trip to Jamaica and a further K10,000 to support his travel from Jamaica to Vanuatu.

The financial support comes as Anslom prepares to leave Papua New Guinea for Montego Bay, Jamaica, where he will spend two weeks working with Jamaican musicians and a Jamaican recording label on a new album.

Kilanda said the NCC’s support is part of its wider effort to help Papua New Guinean artists gain international exposure and promote the country through music and culture.

“Anslom is our official cultural ambassador. He will carry the flag of our country to the international stage.”

He also said the music industry has substantial economic potential and that the government and its agencies need to invest in developing the sector.

The NCC has supported Anslom on previous international engagements, including trips to India and Hawaii, which Kilanda said helped expose his music and Papua New Guinea to international audiences.

“We will continue to give you the strong support and we will push for you to market this country.”

Anslom said international opportunities such as these are valuable even when they do not provide large immediate financial returns.

“In many cases, the financial return is modest. Accommodation, visas, rehearsals, band costs, and other expenses are taken into account.”

“Planti man ol save ting olsem, taim mipla go, ol save givim bikpla mani.” [A lot of people assume that we get paid so much money when we perform internationally].

According to Anslom, the greater value lies in the international exposure, relationships and future opportunities that can come from performing and building networks overseas.

He said his upcoming Jamaica project is itself the result of relationships developed through previous international engagements.

The artist also acknowledged the support of his management, international partners and the National Cultural Commission in helping create opportunities for his music career.

Following Jamaica, Anslom is scheduled to perform in Vanuatu on October 10, before travelling to New Caledonia for two shows.

He is also scheduled to perform in Brisbane in November and is expected to participate in the Woodstock Festival in Brisbane towards the end of the year.

For Anslom, the financial support is part of a wider journey to take PNG music, culture and identity to the world.