- The Story Behind Wame Blood’s new single “Puki"
By JOEL K. ANDREW
Some places in Papua New Guinea offer a true glimpse of paradise with untouched tropical forests, breathtaking landscapes, and people who live in harmony with nature, untouched by the rush of modern civilization. These communities, deeply rooted in tradition, communicate not with technology, but with the natural world around them.
One such place is Sembirigi, a remote and pristine frontier in the southernmost part of the Last Papuan region, located within the Erave Local Level Government of Southern Highlands Province.
In places where voices can’t reach, legs can’t travel, and hands can’t grasp, music becomes the bridge. It connects distant worlds and shines a spotlight on hidden communities.
Our brand new single, “PUKI,” is more than just a song. It is a musical journey and tribute to the adventure we took into the heart of Sembirigi. It captures the raw beauty of Sembirigi, the challenges we faced, and the love we received along the way.
This song is a reflection of our walk through one of the most remote terrains in PNG and a celebration of the spirit, culture, and people who welcomed us with open arms.
“Puki” in the Sembirigi vernacular means “Lewa” or love in Tok Pisin, and this song was born from a deeply personal and transformative journey through the rugged terrains of Southern Highlands Province, Papua New Guinea.
The inspiration for the song came from the warm-hearted people of Sembirigi who showed immense love and hospitality during one of the most physically and emotionally challenging experiences of my life. Their kindness left an unforgettable mark on me and became the soul of this musical piece.
This song reflects a journey I undertook alongside Sembirigi’s finest son and Managing Director for MRDC Mr. Augustine Mano, long before there was a road connection to his remote village, Pawabi. We set off early one morning, driving as far as the Waro turnoff, then continuing the rest of the way on foot.
As we prepared to begin the climb, Augustine looked at us and said, “This is not a road. It’s a test.” We quickly realized he meant every word.
Though Mt. Sumale is not one of the tallest mountains by global standards, the trail was brutally steep, muddy, and unforgiving, and a vertical challenge that pushed our limits. We trudged through thick clay, slipping and sliding with every step, our boots weighed down with sticky earth.
Despite the physical strain, what stood out most was the warmth and generosity of the local villagers. Each village we passed welcomed us with food and comfort. A local delicacy we encountered frequently was muruk (cassowary) meat, served with pride by those who had little but gave abundantly.
Halfway through the trek, heavy rain set in, relentless, cold, and punishing. The trail quickly turned into a flowing river of mud. Our hands clung to tree roots, our bodies exhausted and soaked, and yet we pushed forward.
When we reached the Waro River, swollen from days of rain, it roared like a wild beast, impossible to cross safely. By then, Augustine could no longer walk. Our guides ran ahead to Pawabi and returned with a makeshift platform to carry him the remaining distance. One by one, we were assisted through the dangerous path into the village.
As night fell, we arrived in Pawabi to a heartwarming scene. The village lit up with cheers, laughter, and songs of celebration. The people embraced us, as if welcoming home family long lost.
The journey to Pawabi has since become my personal metaphor for life's struggles. It reminded me that love can exist even in the harshest conditions. The kindness we received wasn’t just physical support but was emotional with spiritual healing.
“Puki” is not just a love song, it's a tribute to the people of Sembirigi, a thank-you for their selfless hospitality, and a reminder that being loved, or choosing to love can bring immense relief even in the hardest of times.
