PNG Welcomes Melanesian Artists for WAN FIRE Music Festival

 Music artists from across the Pacific have arrived in PNG ahead of this weekend’s WAN FIRE Music Festival, bringing together performers from Solomon Islands, Fiji and Vanuatu for a major celebration of Melanesian music in Port Moresby.

PNG Welcomes Melanesian Artists for WAN FIRE Music Festival/Photo supplied

The visiting entertainers landed in the capital this week aboard Air Niugini flights and are set to share the stage with some of Papua New Guinea’s leading musicians during the festival on Saturday, June 20.

Among the international acts are Jaro Local from Solomon Islands, Vanuatu’s DJ Wilz and DJ Pakx, and Fijian performers Liz Vamarasi, Kali Tui, Jay Tauleka and DJ Vibez.

They will perform alongside PNG artists including Tonton Malele, Jnr Vigi, Mereani Masani, Kronos and Jahran as part of the one-day event expected to attract music fans from around the country.

Air Niugini, one of the event sponsors, joined artists and organisers at a media conference held at the Gateway Hotel this week to promote the festival.

The national airline assisted the seven overseas artists with travel arrangements between Honiara, Nadi and Port Moresby, supporting efforts to strengthen cultural ties across Melanesia through music.

Air Niugini operates four weekly services to Honiara and provides connections to Fiji, Vanuatu and other destinations, linking Melanesian nations with the wider Pacific region, Australia and Asia.

“As Papua New Guinea’s national flag carrier, Air Niugini is proud to support our Melanesian and regional communities. We are pleased to welcome our Melanesian friends and wantoks to Port Moresby. Enjoy your stay, and we look forward to welcoming you back aboard one of our flights soon.”