Part of the PNG hip-hop movement is for the first time being included in a mainstream organised event.
PNG Music Awards is PNG’s biggest music scene hosted annually by PNGFM and partners, to recognise local music talents.
This year, among the groups invited to perform at the event is the hip-hop band Planet Native.
The band along with another hip-hop artist, Noxxy Dawg, will be part of the entertainment before the awards event, performing three songs: Malagene, Mangi PNG and Welcome to POM city.
Being recognised and involved in this event is positive news for this underground genre.
“It’s a big pretty deal for PNG hip-hop. We have never been included in something like this. Even though it’s just for entertainment, it’s a good start. And I hope to see hip-hop groups also nominated in the future,” said Stud Cruzer of Planet Native.
On the band’s part, the rap artist says they will include a little more traditional taste in the mix, to influence the Papua New Guineans.
Planet Native and other emerging hip-hop groups are mostly from the urban centres and their music style has the street hip-hop feel.
Malagene is one of the few rap songs that have a local sound through the use of Kuanua language in some parts of the song.
Sprigga Mek is one artist that has been bringing hip-hop contemporary fusion and has gained likes of many Papua New Guineans.
(Planet Native)