PNG’s iconic Mal Meninga Kuri (Meninga Kuri) will be marking his 20th Anniversary in the music industry this Saturday 12th October 2024, with a performance at the Lamana Gold Club. Kuri, who hails from Porgera in the Enga province, was inspired to become a musician after watching Gedix Atege perform during the 2002 elections when a relative of Kuri’s was contesting. He recalls that he was only a child when he first had that experience. “I started to like his songs afterwards and that’s what got me interested in music.” “By 2004, I was in Port Moresby attending Wardstrip Primary School, doing Grade 7; within that year, I wrote my first single.” When asked about how he gets inspiration for his songs, Kuri replied that he draws inspiration for his songs from multiple sources ranging from personal experiences to influences from his family, friends and even his fans from various provinces. He uses these circumstances to compose songs which in turn allows the lyrics to speak to his listens. “Everyone is struggling in life; my friends may experience something, and I use that to write a song, but I also add my experiences which results in a product that everyone can listen to, relate to and also enable me to interact with my fans.” “For instance, my songs Ambai Ya and Apo Land, songs about provinces are actually about my fans.” Kuri acknowledges the studios that have assisted him in his music career, specifically T17 Records, Roots Vibration. Since 2017, Kuri has been recognized for his contributions in PNG’s music scene and has also bagged six music awards. His 20th Anniversary performance will start at 10pm Saturday night at the Lamana Gold Club, Port Moresby city. The performance will also feature other artists like Bata Rods, Shei Schaaf and Raylinda.