Papua New Guinea (PNG) is making waves in the Pacific music scene with half of the top ten finalists for ABC Radio Australia’s Pacific Break 2025 are PNG artists, highlighting the country’s growing talent and creativity. The five PNG finalists were selected from entries across 18 Pacific nations, showcasing the diversity and vibrancy of the country’s music scene. • ‘Enlighten Yourself’ by Kazibuda, is a R&B artist and multi-lingual rapper from Port Moresby, who said his track is inspired by a personal poem. “Enlighten Yourself is the title of a poem that I wrote about enlightenment. I expanded it into a song in my mother tongue, Tokples, combining poetry with music.” • ‘Somebody Like Me’- From the Highlands Region, Raylinda writes music inspired by her culture and personal experiences. She said her song reflects on the emotional journey after a breakup. “The song is about realizing when enough is enough after giving your all and still being hurt.” • ‘Too Wavy’ by Jay Sint, whose music spans R&B and hip-hop, dedicates his song to the people of the Pacific. “I chose this song because it blends an old-school sample vibe with Pacific Island influences, allowing people across the islands to connect and vibe with it.” • Darkaside ‘Decade of Crisis’- Port Moresby-based heavy metal band Darkaside drew inspiration from the Bougainville Crisis of 1988, a civil conflict that claimed over 20, 000 lives. “Our song tells the story of the Bougainville struggle, oppression, and resilience, while highlighting the impact of governance and mining on communities.” • Mereani Masani “Melanesian Queen”- Half Fijian, half Papua New Guinean, Mereani Masani has been contributing to PNG’s music scene for more than a decade. “Melanesian Queen honors my three grandmothers and celebrates the strength and grace of Melanesian women across the Pacific.” The presence of five PNG artists among the top ten finalists of ABC Pacific Break 2025 reflects the country’s growing influence in the Pacific music industry. These artists not only represent diverse musical genres but world known music genre from R&B and hip-hop to heavy metal and soul but also incorporate elements of their cultural heritage into their work. This demonstrates a fusion of modern musical styles with traditional identity, appealing both locally and regionally. The trend suggests that PNG musicians are increasingly gaining recognition beyond national borders, contributing to the visibility and appreciation of Pacific music on international platforms. The winner of ABC Pacific Break 2025 will be announced live at 7:00 a.m. PGT on Thursday, 16 October, on Nesia Daily. Source: ABC Pacific Radio Find out more about the 2025 Pacific Break finalists here