Papua New Guinean reggae musician Ansalom Nakikus: ‘I think of reggae as a higher purpose’

Anslom Nakikus plays a number of roles, parts of each of which are evident in his music. Although he is primarily known for his work as a reggae artist in his native Papua New Guinea, Anslom is also a politician who contested the country’s parliament elections as an independent candidate. He has been an ambassador for refugees, a campaigner for HIV-AIDS control programs and is also a small-time entrepreneur.

To perform at the inaugural edition of the International Indie Music Festival (IIMF) to be held at Kerala Arts and Crafts Village in Thiruvananthapuram from Wednesday in Kerala, Ansalom is currently jamming with a group of local musicians with whom she performs. will do. It’s “too expensive” for your entire band to travel here. One of the first songs he tried is openly political refuse Resist… In which there is a chorus that gives “power to the people”.

“I believe that reggae is a musical form in which the message is also important. Where I come from, we are still a third world, a developing nation. It is hard because in music as well as in business Opportunities are scarce. I use reggae music to inspire my people, just like Bob Marley, Peter Tosh or Lucky Dube did. The way the late Dubey conveyed a message to his people in South Africa Kiya, that’s what I love. I think of it as a higher purpose. I sing messages of peace, love, hope and unity when I come on stage. Hindu,

Some members of South African reggae legend Dubey’s band now perform with Anslom.

Growing up with a passion for music, Anslom began singing in the church choir. He also began singing in some local bands, but soon realized he “didn’t want to sing about women all the time.” He wanted to write songs that people could relate to.

“I wanted to sing about nature, the struggles in life and, of course, about love. Those were not necessarily songs that would create revolution, because I am generally a peaceful person inspired by Mahatma Gandhi. In my country, which is democratic, we have the right to expression. But you have to express in a more meaningful and acceptable way,” he says.

Many of his songs are private. For example, getting married…, Which is dedicated to his daughter, in which he advises parents not to exercise too much control over their daughters and understand that they have a life of their own.

A graduate in Political Science, he keeps a close eye on the happenings in his country where more than 70% of the people live in rural areas. Many rural areas are yet to be electrified. The country, which is closer to Australia, says Anslom, has been witness to a tug-of-war between the West and China to provide development funds and widen its spheres of influence.

“I have struggled my whole life to grow up outside so that I can help people. Performing at this festival in Kerala is one such great opportunity. Due to digital streaming, my music is being discussed far and wide, but I still believe it is yet to be fully explored,” he says.