Another legend in the country’s music industry has fallen with the nation now mourning the death of music legend, the late Lister Serum MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire), who passed away yesterday, Friday 24th May. The late Serum was recognized for his contribution to the music industry in Papua New Guinea (PNG) in 2019 with the British Order awarded by the late Queen Elizabeth II, which is awarded for an outstanding achievement or service to the community. Yumi FM radio announcer, Kasty stated that he had known him to be one who was humble in his early days when he was with his group ‘Connections of Lae’ before he went solo. “His music was aired on radio through the CHM feature that we had on Yumi FM every Sundays to promote songs that were recorded under the studio.” “The modern Tok Pisin in his songs touched his fans as his songs had a lot of meaning about the hardships that we faced then and that we continue to face.” He said that some of his songs had catchphrases that were widely used back then and in this era from his songs like ‘Blow Up’ and ‘Longpela Rot’. “His death has brought a huge devastation to us but we are happy for his contribution and the huge influence that he had on the music industry.” Kasty added that the late icon singer, was big on encouraging and was a huge inspiration to the younger singers like Tarvin Toune and a lot of others. “Whenever artists were in Lae, he would show up to encourage them and gave them confidence to perform. Old music isn’t the same anymore so that led to him working with a lot of the younger artists.” “He sang about our life situations that we all go through and now that he is gone, I’m saddened by the news, but I am happy that he has left a huge mark on the music industry for the younger generation to follow.” Tarvin Toune, one of the younger artist that looked up to him stated that he looked up to the late singer and his music. “He is a PNG icon that we look up to and I am grateful that I had the privilege of performing with him. A lot of our legendary musicians have left us and now he is gone as well.” “His passing has saddened us and we are mourning his loss as well. Condolences to his immediate family and may he rest in peace.” Kasty also stated that his death has left a huge gap in the music industry and has devastated his fans. Meanwhile, Kasty mentioned that there were a few songs that the late singer had recorded with a few young artists that were still in production so even with him gone, his voice will still be heard in those songs when they are released. “He may be gone, but his music will still be played on radio and live on.”