Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has expressed deep sorrow at the passing of Matalau Nakikus, one of the founding members of the legendary Barike Band of Rabaul, as the nation prepares to celebrate 50 years of Independence.
Prime Minister Marape described the late Nakikus as a musical patriot whose voice gave soul to a young nation during its formative years after independence.
“Matalau Nakikus was more than a musician. He was a voice of unity, hope, and national pride. His passing is a great loss to Papua New Guinea,” Prime Minister Marape said.
“Together with other Barike legends—the late John Wong, the late Glen Low, Fabian Tadoi, and Don Lessy—Matalau helped to shape our identity through music that transcended regional and cultural divides.”
The Prime Minister paid special tribute to Barike’s timeless anthem, Wan Kantri (One Country), describing it as one of the most powerful unifying songs in PNG’s history.
“No song has done more to bring our people together than Wan Kantri,” he said. “Its lyrics and harmonies called on us to rise above our differences and embrace our shared identity as one people and one country.”
Prime Minister Marape said that as the country marks PNG at 50, the passing of Matalau Nakikus was a poignant reminder of the artists and visionaries who helped to lay the emotional and cultural foundations of the nation.
“Matalau’s legacy will live on through his music. His voice gave courage to a young country and reminded us who we are. As we celebrate 50 years of nationhood, let us remember those like Matalau whose songs helped bind us together.”
He extended his condolences to Matalau’s family, the people of East New Britain, and the fans across the country who continue to cherish Barike’s music.
“Rest in peace, Matalau Nakikus. Your song lives on in every proud Papua New Guinean heart.”
As part of the national celebrations for PNG’s 50th anniversary of Independence, Prime Minister Marape also announced that the National Government will host a major tribute concert in early September to honour the contributions of Matalau Nakikus, Barike, and other musical legends.
“This national concert will bring together our leading musicians to pay tribute to those who gave us a soundtrack to our nationhood,” Prime Minister Marape said.
“From Matalau and Barike to the countless artists who have carried our stories in song, we will honour them as part of the official celebrations. Their music helped define our journey, and this concert will be a moment for the country to give thanks.”
The concert will feature a lineup of both legendary and contemporary performers, acknowledging the unifying and cultural role music has played in PNG’s past 50 years.