Chief Executive Officer of PNGFM, Ms. Esther Gegelagi, has officially launched the 20th Yumi FM PNG Musik Awards, describing the two-decade milestone as a significant achievement for Papua New Guinea’s local music industry.
Speaking during the launching at the Lamana Gold Club in Port Morsby this morning, Ms. Gegelagi welcomed sponsors, artists, members of the media, and invited guests.
She said this prestigious event has for two decades recognised and supported Papua New Guinea musicians, producers, songwriters and groups.
“Twenty years is a significant milestone for any event in Papua New Guinea, especially one dedicated entirely to supporting local music and local artists,” she said.
This year’s awards theme, “From Haus Lain to the Stage,” reflects the journey of many Papua New Guinean artists who begin performing in villages, churches, schools and family gatherings before reaching national audiences.
“Many of our musicians today begin with very little, singing in the village, at church, at school, around the house line, just holding the guitar and singing with family,” Ms. Gegelagi said.
“And with nothing more than talent, passion and a dream, through music they rise up to bigger stages, reaching audiences across the country and beyond.”
She said the journey of local artists deserves recognition and continued support from both the public and private sectors.
Ms. Gegelagi also highlighted Yumi FM’s ongoing partnership with the Australasian Performing Rights Association (APRA) and the Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society (AMCOS), which ensures royalties are returned to registered artists whose music is played on the station.
“To us, supporting local artists should be more than just playing their songs on radio. It is also about recognising and valuing the work that they create,” she said.
She encouraged more organisations across Papua New Guinea to invest in local music and entertainment, adding that supporting PNG music also means supporting PNG culture, stories and identity.
The CEO thanked artists for continuing to trust Yumi FM with their music and acknowledged performers who will take part in this year’s event.
Special appreciation was also extended to sponsors and partners including Rapid Phones and Samsung, the Office of Censorship, Able Home and Office, Niugini Ice, Trans Pacific Assurance and Trutru Wara, along with supporting sponsors Trophy Haus, Budget Rent A Car, Trends Beauty International and Lamana Hotel, and also supported by Nau FM, Legend FM, Magic Factory, PNG Haus Bung and managed by the Total Events Company.
Ms. Gegelagi said this year’s awards night will celebrate 20 years of PNG music, culture and talent.
The 20th Yumi FM PNG Musik Awards will take place this Saturday, the 23rd of May at the Party Capital, the Lamana Gold Club.
