PORT MORESBY – The capital city came alive on 28 June as more than 12,000 people gathered at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium for the inaugural Meganesia Concert 2025, a free-entry spectacle that has set the tone for Papua New Guinea’s countdown to its 50th Independence Anniversary.
The stadium pulsed with vibrant colours, festive food and the rhythmic sounds of over 200 performers, including Indigenous Australian and Papua New Guinean artists. The atmosphere was electric, uniting the crowd through music and cultural celebration.
A standout moment of the evening was the electrifying performance by the iconic Australian band Yothu Yindi, which now includes four Papua New Guinean members—a powerful symbol of regional unity. The cultural showcase continued with a traditional Torres Strait Islander dance, known as Zenadth Kes, captivating the crowd with its rich heritage and rhythmic storytelling.
Also gracing the stage were celebrated artists from Australia, including Airileke Ingram, Yirrmal Marika, and Kaiit, who shared the spotlight with some of Papua New Guinea’s finest talents such as Anslom Nakikus, Sprigga Mek, and several other renowned local performers.
The landmark event was delivered in partnership with the National Capital District Commission (NCDC), Amazing Port Moresby, the Australian High Commission, and Gaba Musik, showcasing the spirit of collaboration that made the concert possible.
Prime Minister James Marape, delivering the keynote address, underscored the significance of the event as a symbol of national pride and unity.
“This concert holds immense value as it brings us together to celebrate nearly 50 years of independence,” Marape said, extending gratitude to the organisers, artists, and attendees.
“We will continue these peaceful, colourful, and lively celebrations leading up to Independence Day. I urge everyone to mark your calendars for 15, 16 and 17 September, as we plan the biggest nationwide celebration, honouring our artists, our culture, and our traditional dancers,” he added.
For his part, NCD Governor Powes Parkop lauded the vibrant collaboration between Indigenous artists from Australia and Papua New Guinea, describing the Meganesia Concert as a powerful celebration of shared heritage, identity and collective aspirations.
In his address, Parkop expressed gratitude to the Australian High Commission for its invaluable support in bringing the event to life, and acknowledged the contributions of NCDC, Amazing Port Moresby and Gaba Musik in delivering the successful production.
“On behalf of the city and our organising committee, I thank the Australian Government for this great idea—bringing artists, dancers, and musicians from Australia and PNG to collaborate in one big show,” Parkop said.
Reflecting on Papua New Guinea’s post-independence journey, the governor also recognised the nation's progress and resilience over the past five decades, noting both achievements and the challenges still ahead.
Beyond the music and performances, the Meganesia Concert served as a moment of reflection on the enduring partnership between Papua New Guinea and Australia—a relationship rooted in shared efforts across education, healthcare, disaster response, and development.
The event underscored deep cultural and historical ties between Indigenous Australians and the people of western New Guinea, reinforcing the importance of honouring the past while inspiring the next generation.
Australian High Commissioner to PNG and Special Envoy for the Pacific and Regional Affairs Ewen McDonald echoed Governor Parkop’s remarks, praising the concert’s unity and cultural impact.
“The performances and shared stories at Meganesia set a powerful tone leading up to PNG’s 50th Independence Anniversary, energising the packed stadium and paving the way for ongoing cultural exchanges and unity,” McDonald said.
He expressed gratitude to Governor Parkop for his leadership and reaffirmed the strength of the Australia–PNG relationship. McDonald also highlighted standout performances from both countries, including that of Sprigga Mek, winner of the 2019 Pacific Break, as a symbol of regional talent and collaboration.
Continuing the momentum, Parkop announced on 1 July the official launch of ‘The PNG Story’, a nationwide cultural initiative running through to September. It will culminate in a grand celebration of the 50th Independence Anniversary.
The PNG Story is set to spotlight the rich traditions of the country’s four main regions—Southern, New Guinea Islands, Highlands, and Momase—through expressive arts, performances, and storytelling, all unified under the theme: “To celebrate our history and inspire our future.”
