By Staycey Yalo – EMTV News, Port Moresby
The 14th PNG Yumi FM Musik Awards is on again this year to recognise talents of local artists and musicians. Local Artists who made more sales online and are successful on the international stage, will also be recognised through the new category of International Artist of the Year.
PNG Artists will be recognised this year under 10 categories.
PNG Music Awards Categories
• The Justin Kili Award
• Best New Artist
• Artist of the Year Award
• Song of the Year Award
• Male Artist of the Year Award
• Best Duo/Group of the Year
• Producer of the Year
Other Awards
- People’s Choice- Song of the Year
- Female Artist of the Year
- International Artist of the Year – In Association with APRA
Whilst the awards over the years had been focused so much on male artists and musicians, the rising number of women in the industry had also resulted in the awards organisers reviving the Female Artist of the Year category.
Coca Cola is the major sponsor of the event and they will be sponsoring 5 categories this year; most of the awards that they will be giving to the artists were featured on the Coke Studio show.
The awards night will be held at the Lamana Gold Club this Saturday and performing artists such as the local hip-hop group, Planet Native, DPJ and Kronos are excited about the event.
“For Rookies like us, it is an honour to be called to play in such a big event such as the PNG Music Awards,” said DPJ.
Apart from marketing their music locally, PNG artists have also been encouraged to market their songs through APRA AMCOS, a music rights organisation that represents songwriters, composers and music publishers.
General Manager of PNGFM, Charles Taylor, says despite economic setbacks in the country, YUMIFM has managed to come through with supporting PNG Music for the 14th time this year.
Mr. Taylor encouraged all PNG Artists to market their music as at both the local and international stage.
