PNGFM Limited, parent company of Nau FM, Yumi FM, Legend FM, PNG HAUSBUNG and MAGIC FACTORY today announced the YUMI FM PNG MUSIK AWARDS 2023 with Kumul Consolidated Holdings (KCH) is set for Saturday June 1st at the Lamana Gold Club Arena. General Manager of PNGFM, Rosemarie ‘Shaz’ Botong stated that the YUMI FM PNG MUSIK AWARDS is a celebration of our local artists and is the only event that recognizes the efforts of artists in the country. “We are celebrating its 19th year. We have Saii Kay who has three nominations this year and Sprigga Mek who is a first-time nominee. This is what it’s all about.” “It’s about the artists. A lot of times we forget, and we don’t really appreciate the amount of work that happens behind the scenes to get a song to a place where everybody can hear it.” Ms Botong added that although there were live streaming platforms which artists can use, in PNG, Radio is still the most accessible media to a lot of people in the country. “And we as a radio station in Nau Fm, Yumi Fm and Legend FM would not be here without the music, would not be here without the local artists and this is why the YUMI FM PNG MUSIK AWARDS was set up.” Ms Botong stated that the YUMI FM PNG MUSIK AWARDS ceremony was founded by the Late Justin Hansu Kili MBE and it was a way to recognize the hard works of the artists. She further announced the nominations and the 10 categories: 1. Best New Artist 2. Album of the Year 3. Song of the Year 4. Male Artists of the Year 5. Female Artist of the Year 6. APRA Artist of the Year 7. Best Duo/Group of the Year 8. Producer of the Year The following two categories were voted for by the listeners via call, walk-ins, of Facebook over the following durations: 9. Justin Kili Award with Keynote-March 11th –March 24th, 2024 10. Listener’s Choice Song of the Year with KCH- April 29th-May 5th, 2024 Nominees for the 2023 YUMI FM PNG MUSIK AWARDS are as follows in the following categories: 1. Best New Artist category: Shadows of Souths, Legality Ewanedtz 2. Album of the Year: Kanaka Messenjah Album- Sprigga Mek, Unlove Volume 3 EP-Saii Kay, Maimai Inc Volume 1 Album- Tonton Malele Panu EP- 4Blordz & Dan Blantz 3. Song of the Year: Aburusim- 4Blordz & Dan Blantz, Missim Yuh-Mikes Toto Ft Bee White & King Swega, Block Mangi- Kande Dwayne & Skwatas Ft Jay Why & Gee Yaga 4. Male Artist of the Year: Saii Kay, Sprigga Mek Tonton Malele 5. Female Artist of the Year: Raylinda, Legality Upzy Galama 6. APRA Registered Artists of the Year: Richie Saeni-Chu Chu, Ronald Haro- Missim Yu Clinton Malele- Pikinini Niu Ailan Ft. Nene Morus & Jayrex Suisui 7. Best Duo/Group of the Year: MinigulaiBand, Jnr Vigi 4Blordz & Dan Blantz 8. Producer of the Year: Statz Mahn, Dr Wiz Jemboii Managing Director of Kumul Consolidated Holdings, Professor David Kavanamur was proud to announce this partnership with PNGFM Limited in developing local artists through the YUMI FM PNG Musik Awards. “Through this sponsorship we not only recognize our local artists but also promote awareness and a certain unity through music as well as instil values in the youths of this nation to realize their self-worth and take their place in society.” “Thank you to everyone and may the best artist come out on that night.” Furthermore, Justin Kili Award sponsor, Keynote PNG External Sales Manager Emmanuel Korai announced that Keynote was stoked to be sponsoring the award and thanked Yumi FM for creating this avenue and wished all the nominees all the best. Meanwhile tickets are on sale now at the PNGFM office, Ahuia Street, Gordons and the Lamana Hotel Reception. Balcony Tickets are K200 per person and K180 per person for the arena tickets. The YUMI FM PNG MUSIK AWARDS 2023 comes with the full support of Justin Kili Award Sponsor Keynote PNG, Lamana Hotel, Trophy Haus, Printsol, Budget Rent-a-car, Hannah’s Beauty Box, Eventz Tech, NAU FM, LEGEND FM, PNG HAUSBUNG, MAGIC FACTORY and is managed by the TOTAL EVENT COMPANY.