Song in contrast to success of Pacific Games

 In support of Thankless letter (July 21), Anslom Nakikus’s song “Memba” is in total contrast to what the O’Neill Government has done to give us this enormous event, the Pacific Games. 

Truly, it was simply in bad taste.

I have been to the opening ceremony at SJGS but didn’t have the chance to go to other venues but just by seeing the great facilities there, I can already tell that the Government has put in so much resources to get these facilities up to world standard. 

Later on by watching on television, it confirmed that we have the best facilities that major events can be staged within, apart from sports.

And here comes Anslom Nakikus, so-called PNG reggae sensation to belt out his “2014 song of the year” in front of our Pacific Island neighbours telling them that our Government is corrupt. 

It brings up a wrong perception. This is not a slap in the face but a good jolting upper cut to the face of our Government. To back up Anslom, Twin Tribe came up with their political motivated song – another body blow to the Government.

Over the years, our King Of South Pacific music has gone low profile, only to resurface with his latest album released in 2014. I think it is a very good opportunity or a rare chance for other Pacific countries to see for themselves the King himself, Patti Potts Doi, performing live in the closing ceremony as a token of appreciation. 

Potts is a true son of PNG and never did he composed a song criticising anybody, let alone the government of the day or a politically motivated song. 

All his songs from his first solo album to his latest album were of nature and day to day life affecting individual or people. 

Not any one artist in this country sang about Marcus Bai and his achievement, about the Manam people being displaced, about that bird, Sisilpak, Mama Graun (nature), about Love (Swit Love), just to name a few. His songs from his first album has not lost flavor! He lets his songs do his talking rather than his actions.

I had a chance to see him perform live during the opening, belting out his famous song Lulu, the crowd joined in and I got goose bumps and tears formed in my eyes…what an artist he is, down to earth and a great listener. 

I heard that Potts would be performing during the closing ceremony and told my entire family, especially my kids, to watch TV. Instead, we got Anslom with his degrading song. 

Absolutely the wrong song for the occasion!

Rugged Edge

Lae