Papua New Guinea (PNG) Reggae Sensation Anslom Nakikus became the first national artist to be invited to perform at an international prestigious event, the inaugural One Love Festival at Negril, Jamaica on March 15th, 2025, in celebrating the universal language ‘MUSIC’.
The festival was themed as ‘One Earth, One Love, One Humanity’ to inspire a safe space for music lovers all around the world to experience the vibrant soul and life of Jamaca Reggae. The fest lead performers include prominent reggae veteran artists like Ken Booth, Bushman and the Step-by-Step band.
In a recent interview with PNG HAUSBUNG, Anslom shared his experience after being invited to perform at the inaugural One Love Festival at Negril, the spiritual hub of reggae at Jamaica.
“Yahh Man, it gives me the great joy and it’s truly an honor to know that my music has been heard and played on the other side,” he shared with overwhelming joy.
“For me as a relative new artist being invited to such a massive event it encourages my artistry and expands my music market, especially since my music follows the mainstream reggae sound, like Bob Marley’s and Lucky Dube.”
Inspired by the reggae legend’s music style Anslom reflected on the crowd’s reactions during and after his performance.
“When I got on stage and started singing everyone went still and suddenly paid attention. As I kept on performing, it was amazing seeing them vibing to my songs” he shared.
“And just as I got off stage, most of them came over saying, ‘Man, you sound just like Lucky Dube! And even some asking where Papua New Guinea is.”
For a local artist steeping onto the global stage, Anslom carries Papua New Guinea on his shoulder with immense pride. One of the thrilling moments of his performance in Jamaca was when he shouted “Are you ready, Jamaica!? Are you ready for Papua New Guinea!?” was a powerful declaration that marked a high point in his set.
“I praise God I am Papua New Guinean. I’m not Tolai not Bougainvillea nor Tari – I am Papua New Guinea. He added, his voice filled with conviction “Because when you’re overseas, that is when you truly realize it.”
Before moving on to questions about his album One Love, Anslom opened about the sacrifices he made for this milestone performance.
“Every dream requires sacrifice,” he said – and for Anslom, it wasn’t just about the music. To turn this dream into reality, he went as far as selling one of his cars to fund the journey.
Anslom’s One Love Album released 5 singles out of 12 tracks before the album was named and released on 15th October 2024.
The album was named after his first single released on 23rd of August 2024 which he featured Big Mountain where Anslom mentioned the original composer of the ‘One Love” and why this song had the most effect to have the album named after.
“So, the song is actually written in New Caledonia language by a reggae legend Eddo who I regard as big bro, he recorded the song and toured with Lucky Dube when lucky was alive.”
Inspired by the rhythm of a song, Anslom requested its translation. Upon understanding the lyrics, he was deeply moved by their profound message.
He expressed, “I was deeply saddened because I am black,” emphasizing the importance of not succumbing to those who seek to dominate or control us. He advocated for resolving conflicts not with weapons but with love. This revelation led him to release the song titled “One Love,” encapsulating the idea that love is the ultimate remedy.
Beside the one album Anslom gave advice to younger artist during the end of the interview and said, “Work on your music, make sure it has an effect. Don’t just talk and not do.”
Then expressed admiration for local talents like Tarvin Tune and icons such as George Telek, acknowledging their impact on the music scene.
Above all, Anslom highlighted the importance of having the right management and, most critically, the power of networking to build lasting success. His words remind us that with passion, focus, and the right connections, anything is possible.
Anslom Nakikus’ performance at the inaugural One Love Festival in Jamaica marked a significant milestone in his career, bringing international recognition to Papua New Guinea’s reggae scene.
With his album One Love, he shares a powerful message of unity and love, transcending borders and cultures.
Through sacrifice and dedication, Anslom’s journey proves that passion, faith, and music can break barriers and inspire change, uniting the world with a timeless message of peace.
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