A music competition that came about in 2021 on the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, recently held their grand finale recently. Bougainville Voice X-plosion, a unique collaboration between First Nations musicians from Bougainville and Australia, was initially conceived by Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) President Ishmael Toroama, ABG Minister for Community Development Morris Opeti MP, and filmmaker Llane Munau to showcase the talent and creativity of young Bougainvillean musicians and celebrate the diversity of their cultures. The six finalists of the competition came from all over the island of Bougainville, to battle it out in a show that included traditional dancers and musicians, performing for an excited spectator at the Main Market in Buka Town. It was an entertaining battle where Wenceslaus Getsi Jnr. from the Malasang Cultural Group was selected as the winner for this year’s competition. Australia came onboard to support this music competition with K50, 000. These funds were presented to the Bougainville Youth Federation (BYF) to manage the event, in partnership with ABG Department of Community Development. BYF Chair, Mr. Junior Pais said this collaboration between the Australian Government, ABG Department of Community Development and the Bougainville Youth Federation (BYF), ensured youths are not only connected to an opportunity to showcase their talents, but one from which they can also derive benefit. Pais added that he is looking forward to seeing the competition continue to grow in 2024, exposing the musical talent of Bougainville’s young people to a wider audience. Meanwhile, Australian High Commission First Secretary, Dr. Fiona Crockford said that they are proud to support an event that supports the BYF’s mission to promote peace, unity and social outreach to Bougainville’s young people. The Australian High Commission also supported the involvement of Australian First Nations artists Tjupurru and Jake Fabila in the Voice X-plosion for the second consecutive year, who provided vocal and mentoring to the finalists of the competition.