Papua New Guinea’s well-known musician, Daniel Bilip has passed away after a short but brave battle with cancer. He was 38.

Bilip died at 12:30 p.m. Today Friday, 10 October 2025, at the Angau Memorial Hospital’s Cancer Ward in Lae, Morobe Province.

According to his family, Bilip was diagnosed with tongue cancer three months ago and he underwent chemotherapy at Angau Memorial Hospital and Port Moresby and completed radiotherapy treatment in India.

Family members told PNG HAUSBUNG that today was scheduled for Bilip’s medical review and operation. However, his condition worsened earlier in the day, and his mother signed a consent form for a procedure on his abdomen at Angau, but he sadly passed away before the operation could take place.

Speaking to PNG HAUSBUNG, Bilip’s sister-in-law, Charity Bilip who spoke in place of her husband, who is the late musician's bother Steven, who was overwhelmed with grief, described him as a courageous and selfless fighter.

“Daniel is a fighter. During his treatment, he always said, ‘I’m alright,’ even when he couldn’t eat and you could see the pain in him. He never wanted us to see him weak. He took on the cancer toe to toe and never wanted to burden anyone,” she said.

Born in 1987, Bilip was known for his warm personality and connection with fans. Charity recalled him as a “people’s person” who loved spending time with family, friends, and supporters.

“He was kind-hearted and funny. He could turn a bad moment into laughter. When he wasn’t performing, he was home surrounded by people and yes, that was Daniel,” she said.

Bilip was preparing for a national musical tour with Coke Studio PNG alongside other local artists before his passing.

His death came as a shock to his family, who said he showed remarkable strength throughout his illness.

The Bilip family also used this moment to raise awareness about tongue cancer, which they say is an increasing concern in Papua New Guinea.

They urged the public to reduce betelnut chewing and smoking, which are major risk factors, and called on the government to strengthen cancer care and treatment facilities across the country.

“It’s a serious cancer and a growing problem in PNG,” Charity said. “We ask the government to support hospitals so that more patients can get the treatment they need locally.”

Bilip leaves behind a legacy of music and resilience that touched many across Papua New Guinea.