A new chapter in PNG singer-songwriter Chris Cobb’s life as he has unveiled new music that includes tracks recorded over five years ago but held back until now, as he sought the perfect moment for their release.
“I was always waiting for the right moment, the right time, and the right video to accompany the songs… I’ve had two more children, relocated to Australia, and restarted my music career, realizing that there will never be a perfect time, so I decided to share these songs with the world.”
His latest singles, such as “Pasifika Time,” “Ta’ahine,” “Poroman,” and “Runaway Train,” are now accessible on all major streaming platforms.
These new releases signify a new step for Cobb, providing an authentic glimpse into his life and identity.
So far, he has released four new tracks on Spotify, with more to come:
Ta’ahine
Pasifika Time
Poroman
Runaway Train.
“Ta’ahine” is inspired by the true story of Cobb’s first encounter with his partner, Tongan Australian artist Kalolaine Fainu.
This romantic, laid-back track narrates the tale of a humble man from Morobe who falls for a mesmerizing Polynesian woman, featuring melodic hooks and a blend of English, Tok Pisin, and Polynesian phrases that radiate sincerity and charm.
It serves as a heartfelt homage to island love and connection, resonating on both personal and universal levels.
Meanwhile, “Pasifika Time,” penned during the COVID pandemic when many were separated from their homes, serves as a poignant reminder that the island rhythm always beckons, no matter where life leads.
This tender anthem captures the essence of island life—pulling taro from the fire, sharing laughter late into the night, and reuniting with family.
Chris Cobb reveals that he co-wrote this song with Kalo, originally intended as a tribute to his late uncles, Kakas and Tadoi, who both died before reaching 40.
“They played a significant role in my upbringing in Bulolo.”
“This song honors the memories and love I hold for them, reminding me that one day we will reunite in heaven and stroll along the wara Bulolo, gathering taro by the fire at night.”
The track ‘Runaway Train’ may initially appear to be a UK pop-dance hit, but its essence is deeply rooted in Melanesian culture.
Co-produced by Cobb and the esteemed PNG producer Toxic Mahn (Emmanuel Muganaua), the song is inspired by Kaur, a traditional Bougainville sound characterized by bamboo flutes and ancestral chants.
Both artists share heritage ties to Bougainville, and their collaboration on this piece became a journey of cultural rediscovery.
While viewing a YouTube video of a traditional Kaur chant, they identified a recurring five-note sequence in a series of voice notes.
These notes matched the major pentatonic scale, leading them to re-arrange them into the song’s captivating melody.
The outcome is a genre-defying track that fuses modern pop vibrancy with indigenous Pacific rhythms.
Lyrically, ‘Runaway Train’ captures the tumult of the world and the desire to break free, crafted during the height of the COVID pandemic when uncertainty loomed large.
Musically, it offers a trance-like experience designed to transport listeners from the chaos into a realm that is spiritual, ancestral, and profoundly connected.
Chris Cobb, hailing from Bulolo in Morobe Province—endearingly referred to as ‘cowboy country’ in PNG—has returned to the music scene with renewed vigor after a self-imposed break.
Now residing on the Sunshine Coast, he is cultivating a dedicated fan base in his new locale while maintaining a strong connection to PNG through his artistry.