LOCAL musicians continue to dominate Papua New Guinea (PNG) airwaves.
Floyd Manata, a Solomon Islander based in PNG, said recent tours made by local artists boosted the popularity of local music there.
Mr Manata said Singer-song writer Samson Saeni (Sharzy) in collaboration with another pair of popular local talent, Funky & Rushee last month toured Madang Province, Goroka and Port Moresby.
He said the famous DMP group also had a weeklong tour of Madang province.
Popular artists and bands such as; Sharzy, Funkee & Rushee, DMP, Wantoks, Paeva, III Kings, JAG and many others has been household names in the PNG music scene and amongst music fans.
The breakthrough in PNG started since the 1990s by famous groups such as The Apprentice Band, Unisound and others.
Mr Manata said Solomon Islands bands and artists have a lot of fans in PNG.
“This is the potential market for upcoming artists.
“This is good for our music industry as it paves the way for our new artists wishing to try their luck here in the PNG market,” he said.
Sharzy along with Funky & Rushee did a combined tour with famous PNG bands; Twin Tribe and One Rebel Band.
The two local artists are again set to rock Port Moresby next weekend during the crowning of Miss PNG and then later travel to New Caledonia for another week-long tour.
DMP on the other hand wrapped up its week-long tour with a blast in Madang Town’s fully packed rugby oval.
“I have never seen anything like it. The entire stadium was fully packed.
“DMP has a lot of fans in PNG-not only them but a whole host of other local artists and bands.
“It is a good sign that our music is still growing at an even faster rate in PNG,” secessionist, Arnold Perakana who accompanied the band to Madang said.
By Jeremy Inifiri
