The passing of Late Lulungan Thomas has come as a big loss to the music industry of Papua New Guinea.
Late Thomas is more or less responsible for localising the sound engineering position in the country.
He had graduated from the University of PNG’s School of Arts and was working with a studio before crossing over to CHM recording company in the late 80’s.
Thomas became the first local sound engineer, taking the position occupied by expatriates at that time.
He wasted no time in recruiting more locals and personally training them. Dika Dai and Henry Maniot were his first recruits.
Those who worked with him will say without hesitation that he built the local music industry as well.
“CHM was here for a while but the music produced by the expatriate sound engineer wasn’t doing well. It wasn’t until Thomas came on that market started picking up locally, regionally and further overseas,” said Dai.
Dai is currently the Chief Sound Engineer at CHM and says he owes everything to the late Thomas.
“He taught me everything there was to know. It’s because of him, I am who I am today.”
Some of Thomas’ first hit songs produced are Pore Vavine by the Helgas string band and Sikal Kelep’s You turn my morning into dancing.
Also through him, popular artists like Sir George Telek, John Wong, Basil Greg and Barike signed up with the record company.
“His music is still here today, favoured by both young and old….that’s because he knows the music language,” said Raymond Waloloki, another of Thomas’ trainees.
Thomas also taught at the Southern Cross University at one time. And went on to having masters in music.
And while others his age who trained under him preferred analogue, Thomas developed his skills, moving to digital and continued training others.
“His expertise was in sound engineering, but Thomas could play instruments, he could do many other things. He had passion and love for anything to do with art,” said Waloloki.
Late Thomas, from New Ireland and East New Britain, passed away early Sunday morning from asthma at his home in Rabaul.
He is survived by four children – Reiner and Relvie from the first wife and Eliuda and Justin from the second.