The 2024 Bougainville Voice X-Plosion (BVX), proved to be another musical extravaganza showcasing six aspiring artists from across Bougainville.
Created in 2021 the BVX has, since 2022, included a creative collaboration between First Nations musicians from Australia, Tjupurru and Jake Fabila, and emerging young Bougainvillean musicians. The resulting tracks, Wan Solwara (One Ocean) and Pasin Tumbuna (Traditional Ways), used a blend of traditional and modern instruments, rap and ancestral sounds. The songs have been released through Wantok Musik in Australia, raising the profile of the young Bougainvillean artists across the Pacific region.
This year’s BVX was special, with internationally renowned Bougainvillean and Yothu Yindi drummer and percussionist Ben Hakalitz joining the panel of judges led by Llane Munau and including Jake and Tjupurru and 2022 BVX winner Michael Dave from Manetai Central Bougainville.
Speaking to the young performers, Ben said: “Bougainville has a unique sound. Remember that your voice is also unique. Bougainville’s music, culture and identity is your gold”. Tjupurru added: “There are no losers in this competition, you are all winners in our eyes. Be proud of who you are and where you come from.”
The finalists were judged on both traditional songs and an original song written by each contestant specifically for the finale about “Peace & Unity on Bougainville.”
23-year-old Cameron Mukunu from the Bolave constituency in Bana District, was this year’s winner, edging out runner-up, 25-year-old Solomon Kungka from Makis constituency, and 26-year-old Douglas Manasi from Wakunai District, who finished third.
ABG Minister for Community Development, Hon. Morris Opeti, highlighted the importance of preserving Bougainvillean cultural heritage through music and thanked the Governments of Australia and New Zealand for their support.
"Without your support to the youths, this initiative would be just a dream without anything tangible.”
Minister Opeti later wowed the crowd with a rendition of Stevie Wonder’s Superstition, backed up by Ben, Tjupurru, Jake, Michael and local musicians.
Australian High Commission First Secretary Fiona Crockford said, “The Bougainville Voice X-Plosion generates so much excitement and goodwill in the community. We are proud to be able to bring Tjupurru and Jake back for a third time, and for the legendary Ben Hakalits to join them this year.”
Hosted by the Bougainville Youth Federation (BYF) and supported by the Australian and New Zealand governments, BVX is a youth-driven event that provides a platform for Bougainvillean artists to display their creative musical talent. It also affords the BYF an opportunity to develop skills in events management in collaboration with internationally known artists.
The 2024 finalists have since begun collaborating with Ben, Tjupurru, Jake and Michael and others to record a collaboration song inspired by Australia’s NAIDOC theme for 2024 Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud! which celebrates the unyielding passion Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities have for their cultures and traditions.
Echoing this theme, the BVX contestants have drawn their inspiration from the enduring strength of their ancient cultures to celebrate their own indigenous identity.
23 year-old Cameron Mukunu (second from right), representing Central Bougainville, listening to the judges feedback after his final performance. Cameron was the winner of BVX 2024.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100