The 2024 Bougainville Voice X-Plosion (BVX) was an exciting music event, featuring six talented young artists from across Bougainville. This event, which started in 2021, has become a great way to showcase new talent in the region.
Since 2022, the BVX has brought together musicians from Australia, like Tjupurru and Jake Fabila, to work with young Bougainvillean artists.
Together, they created songs that mix traditional and modern music. These songs, “Wan Solwara” (One Ocean) and “Pasin Tumbuna” (Traditional Ways), have helped introduce Bougainvillean music to the Pacific region.
This year, the event was even more special with famous Bougainvillean musician Ben Hakalitz joining the judges. Ben, who is known for his work with the Australian band Yothu Yindi, told the young artists.
“Bougainville has a unique sound and remember that your voice is also unique.”
He reminded them that their culture and music are precious. The other judges, including Tjupurru, Jake, and 2022 BVX winner Michael Dave, all agreed that there were no losers in this competition – everyone was a winner for sharing their music and culture.
The young contestants were asked to sing both traditional songs and an original song they wrote about “Peace & Unity on Bougainville.”
This year’s winner was 23-year-old Cameron Mukunu from Bana District. He came first, followed by 25-year-old Solomon Kungka and 26-year-old Douglas Manasi, who finished second and third, respectively.
Minister for Community Development, Morris Opeti praised the event, saying it was important to protect Bougainville’s cultural music. He thanked the Governments of Australia and New Zealand for helping to make the event possible.
Minister Opeti also surprised the crowd by performing Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition” with the help of the musicians.
The Bougainville Voice X-Plosion event was hosted by the Bougainville Youth Federation (BYF) and supported by the Australian and New Zealand governments giving young Bougainvilleans a chance to show off their music and learn about event management while working with international artists.
The finalists from this year will also collaborate with the judges and other musicians to record a new song inspired by Australia’s 2024 NAIDOC theme: “Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud!” This theme celebrates the strength and pride of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, which the BVX artists are also proud to share through their music.
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