A new song produced by Bougainvillean artists and First Nations Australian musicians Jake and Tjupurru Fabila has been launched, symbolising the deep connection between past and present, emphasising the importance of heritage in shaping identities.
The song, Pasin Tumbuna, which translates as ‘Traditional Ways’, was inspired by the 2023 National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Week theme, ‘For Our Elders’, which celebrated the knowledge and wisdom of First Nations elders in Australia.
Autonomous Bougainville Government President, the Hon. Ishmael Toroama while launching the new song, highlighted the importance of preserving culture and traditions that reflect the unique identity of Bougainvilleans.
The President also acknowledged the partnership between the Autonomous Bougainville Government and the Australian and New Zealand Governments in supporting the Bougainville Voice X-Plosion and the production of Pasin Tumbuna.
The song is an artistic collaboration between 2023 Bougainvillean Voice X-Plosion finalists, PNG artist Richard Mogu, and First Nations Australian musicians Jake and Tjupurru Fabila, with support from Wantok Musik Australia and local sound engineer Melchior Wagum of Backstage Studios. The track includes the voices of inspirational local elders Chief Mark Waraka and the late Chief Philip Buritoa.
“Pasin tumbuna serves as a bridge between our cultures,” said Emma Getsi, one of the 2023 Voice X-Plosion contestants behind the track. “It’s about honouring our ancestors, celebrating our identity and fostering unity between our communities.”
The event, which brought together musicians and performers from across Bougainville and Australia, highlighted the power of music and cultural exchange between First Nations peoples.
The Australian Government promotes the strengthening of cultural connections and people-to-people links between Australia’s First Nations peoples and the peoples of Bougainville, PNG and the Pacific.
Through the collaboration on Pasin Tumbuna, the young Bougainvillean artists gained valuable experience working with renowned First Nation Australian artists, learnt traditional chants from their Bougainvillean elders and recorded the song with an Australian recording company.
“I love working with these young musicians and seeing them transform through mentoring and shine on stage. The world is ready for a Bougainville explosion” said Tjupurru.
The collaboration also included the production of a documentary featuring the 2023 contestants and their elders, highlighting the importance of music as a way to preserve and share culture and traditions, and inspire pride among youth in their identity as Bougainvilleans.
The Bougainville Voice X-Plosion is a platform for Bougainvillean youth to showcase their musical talent and creativity. It is hosted by the Bougainville Youth Federation, with support from the Australian and New Zealand Governments in partnership with the Autonomous Bougainville and Papua New Guinea Governments.
Bougainville artists who collaborated on the Pasin Tumbuna soundtrack at the launch event.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100