Meet the other Opeti songster

By ISAAC LIRI
MUSIC lovers in Papua New Guinea are familiar with Bougainvillian Morris Opeti, the man who won EMTV’s Vocal Fusion Season Two in 2015.
Well, if you didn’t know, Morris has an older brother by the name of Jordon Opeti who is also a talented artist well known throughout the Autonomous region. If you’ve watched videos online about the Emperor Rangers band from the Central Bougainville area then you would be familiar with this guy with the dreadlocks.
Emperor Rangers is a band that has produced some classical local rock and reggae music played on radio stations in the country and more commonly in Bougainville.
However, there is something that stands out about Jordon and the way he delivers his music.If you’re a reggae music fanatic, then you would be familiar with the legend Bob Marley as one of the greatest revolutionary musicians that lived on this planet.
His influence spread across the world and still exists today amongst the many artists from different backgrounds and nationalities. Whether famous or not Jordon Opeti fits that category.
On stage at the Sir John Guise Stadium for the first time, Jordon Opeti held the mic in one hand and the Bougainville flag on the other as he performed his music during the AROB Day celebrations last Saturday. One of his songs titled “Mi Bilip long mi yet” which he performed speaks of believing in oneself.No matter whatthe circumstances in life are like, one must always believe in himself or herself in order to be strong.
“My nephew Cedrick Opeti wrote this song; some of my songs are written by my sister and I just fit in the music,” Jordon said.
The interesting thing about Jordon is that he was a first timer in the nation’s capital, and with that at the back of his mind, he did not disappointthose that came out to watch.
“This is my first time to perform in Port Moresby, I have never come here to perform so it’s an experience of a life time,” he said.
“With my songs, I challenge the people of Bougainville to believe in themselves; they may find themselves different than other peoples of PNG and that’s why they must believe in themselves always.
“Music is part of my life and I use it every day. I feel that music has always been connected to me and I earn money through music when I perform.
“I am a Grade two school leaver and I don’t know much about anything other than music and I am just happy to be here in Port Moresby to share my music with the people of Bougainville and Papua New Guinea.”
“I am a Christian and I pray to God to give me wisdom and I thank him for the talent he has given me.
Accompanying him during his first musical performance in Port Moresby was the renowned Niu Age band of Bougainville. Despite his first time to perform away from home, Jordon took control of the stage andconnected well with the crowd, just like his younger brother Morris. Jordon is a different person altogether as he has his own style of performing and all who attended the AROB Day celebrations would agree that he earned the right to own the stage using his own style.
Knowing that it was his first time to perform in the nation’s capital, he made the most of it and then later during the night (Saturday) he did more performances at the Cosmopolitan club. After he performed two songs during the day, the crowd called out for more! They were hungry to hear more of him. Those that were fortunate enough to attend the night celebrations at the Cosmopolitan heard more ofthe talented Bougainvillean musician that relays important political messages using the power of music.
Interestingly, Jordon also plays and records music with former BRA leader or ex-combatant Ishmael Toroama in a band called Offspring.
“I am part of Emperor Rangers but when I go to Arawa I combine with Ishmael and we make up the Offspring band.All ofour songs are about awareness on referendum, political songs.”
Jordon Opeti is one of the many musicians on Bougainville that understand the power of music and how it can have an impact on society.
He says as long as he lives, he will continue to use music as a tool to change mindsets.
“A world without music is boring,” he says.