In its efforts to promote music and entertainment industry in Papua New Guinea, the National Government through the National Gaming Control Board (NGCB) has made a timely donation of K100, 000 to PNG’s international singer, Anslom Nakikus, to assist with his international tour.
The popular singing sensation of PNG with his Band were in awe when the cheque was presented to them by the Minister for NGCB and Bougainville Affairs MP Manasseh Makiba, on Thursday, September 21, 2023.
Lead singer Anslom, born Ronald Nakikus from Rabaul, East New Britian Province is Papua New Guinea’s renowned reggae singer and songwriter.
He thanked the Government and NGCB for believing in his Band and supporting his music, which has stamped its mark on the global stage as one of the top bands and a force to be reckoned in the international music platforms.
“I am truly humbled to receive such support from the government and I thank the Prime Minister James Marape, Minister Makiba and Chairman Clemence Kanau for the timely sponsorship, which will greatly assist my Band in our upcoming international tour.”
Anslom’s music is heavily influenced by Reggae and Rastafarian culture, and his lyrics often touch on themes such as social justice, peace, and unity.
This year, Anslom won three international music awards: the Band of the Year award at the 2023 International Singer Songwriters Association (ISSA) in the United States of America.
Few weeks later, he bagged two more American music awards in the InterContinental Music Awards (ICMA) namely, Best of America Award in reggae with his song ‘Love Me Again’ and the ICon Award, which is the highest honor in ICMA’s global music community.
Minister Makiba congratulated Anslom and said that the Marape-Rosso Government is very proud of these achievements and pleased to support Anslom and his band to continue promoting PNG on the international stage.
“This is because he has promoted our country on the international stage through his own efforts and has gained big recognition for our country in music.
“He’s setting a good example to the younger generation to not just think locally but to compete at the international level and produce the best quality of music.
“Music speaks to the soul; it can be used for positive or negative impact.
“When the right message is conveyed through music, it can have a positive impact on people’s lives,” Minister Makiba added.
The Minister stated that, “As the Government, we try to promote our country in different ways, and music is one of the ways we can promote Papua New Guinea’s culture, and talent.
“You have promoted PNG through your music. You are like an ambassador for PNG and even the Pacific on the international stage,” Minister Makiba said.
