MEGANESIA CONCERT DELIVERS MESSAGE OF UNITY, CELEBRATION

More than 12,000 people attended the first-ever Meganesia Concert at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium on Saturday evening.

The stadium came alive with music, colour, and excitement. People started arriving hours before the gates opened at 3 pm.

The concert was a major cultural event leading up to Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary in 2025.

NCD Governor Hon. Powes Parkop gave an official speech. He praised the teamwork between Indigenous artists from Australia and PNG. He said Meganesia was a celebration of shared culture, identity, and dreams.

Governor Parkop thanked the Australian High Commission, NCDC, Amazing Port Moresby, and Gaba Musik for their support.

He spoke about PNG’s journey since independence and highlighted the strong relationship between PNG and Australia in education, health, disaster response, and development.

He also talked about the deep cultural connection between Indigenous Australians and the people of Western New Guinea.

Governor Parkop thanked all the performers, especially the famous Australian band Yothu Yindi, which includes four PNG members.

Australian High Commissioner to PNG, Mr. Wen McDonald, also spoke at the event. He praised the concert and the strong PNG-Australia relationship.

He highlighted performances by artists like Sprigga Mek, the 2019 Pacific Break winner, as a great example of regional talent.

Meganesia used music, dance, and stories to send a powerful message of unity. The crowd left the stadium feeling happy and hopeful.

Prime Minister Hon. James Marape said another concert will be held on September 14–16. It will celebrate PNG’s 50th independence with local artists, traditional dancers, and cultural performances.

Meganesia Concert Delivers Powerful Message of Unity and Celebration

The Sir Hubert Murray Stadium came alive today with the sounds, colours, and spirit of unity as the inaugural Meganesia concert drew a massive crowd, many of whom gathered hours before the gates opened at 3 pm. 

The event marked a key cultural milestone ahead of Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary in 2025. 

In his official address, NCD Governor, Hon. Powes Parkop commended the vibrant collaboration between Indigenous artists from Australia and Papua New Guinea, hailing Meganesia as a celebration of shared heritage, identity, and aspirations 

He thanked the Australian High Commission for their invaluable support in making the event a reality as well as the NCDC, the Amazing Port Moresby, and Gaba Musik.

Governor Parkop reflected on PNG’s journey since independence, recognizing the nation’s achievements and challenges. 

He praised the strong and evolving PNG-Australia partnership, which has spanned education, healthcare, disaster response, and development. 

He also highlighted the cultural and historical ties between Indigenous Australians and the people of western New Guinea, emphasizing the need to honour the past while inspiring future generations. 

Governor Parkop concluded by thanking the participating artists, particularly iconic Australian band Yothu Yindi, which also comprises four PNG band members . 

Australian High Commissioner to PNG, His Excellency Mr. Wen McDonald echoed the Governor’s sentiments, commending the remarkable turnout and cultural significance of Meganesia. 

He praised Governor Parkop’s leadership and acknowledged the strong, long-standing relationship between Australia and PNG. 

Mr. McDonald also highlighted the performances of both Australian and PNG artists, including Sprigga Mek, winner of the 2019 Pacific Break, as shining examples of regional talent and partnership. 

With music performance, and shared stories, Meganesia set a powerful tone for the lead-up to PNG’s 50th Independence Anniversary, leaving the crowd in a jammed packed stadium energised and hopeful for continued cultural exchange and unity.

Prime Minister, Hon. James Marape said a similar concert will be held on 14,15,16 September as a recognition of PNG artists, our culture, and our traditional dancers to celebrate our PNG50.