Acclaimed Papua New Guinean–born Australian artist, Ngaiire is bringing her international career home.
The four-time Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) Award nominee has announced the launch of Musik Blok – a bold new mentorship initiative based in Goroka, Eastern Highlands – designed to back the next generation of Papua New Guinean artists with the skills, infrastructure and industry access she once had to leave the country to find.
After building a globally respected career across Australia, Europe and the US, Ngaiire is now investing that experience directly into PNG.
“There is no shortage of brilliance in PNG,” she said. “What’s missing is access. I had to leave to learn how this industry works. Musik Blok is about making sure the next generation doesn’t have to.”
The pilot program, supported by the Australian Government through the Australian Cultural Diplomacy Grants Program, will bring a select group of emerging artists into an intensive two-week songwriting and production lab led by Ngaiire alongside experienced mentors and PNG musicians.
Following a national application process, eight emerging PNG artists have been selected to participate in the inaugural Musik Blok residency:
- Michael Vaki — MC/Rapper
- Philip Kurina — MC/Rapper
- Roslyn Koisen — Singer/Songwriter
- Davincy Rodgers — MC/Rapper
- Oliver Bangkoma — Singer/Songwriter
- Brendan Lahui — Songwriter
- Danielle Morgan — Singer/Songwriter
- Martina Kara — Singer/Songwriter
Delivered in newly established creative spaces near Goroka, the program focuses on practical, career-building skills and high-quality recorded outcomes.
“In my career I’ve seen what happens when artists are given the right environment to grow. The confidence shifts. The ambition expands. I’m deeply committed to building that environment here in PNG, not just once, but for the long term,” said Ngaiire.
In a country where professional music infrastructure remains limited outside major centres, the initiative represents a significant step toward locally led creative development.
Musik Blok positions PNG not as an exporter of raw talent, but as a nation capable of building its own sustainable music ecosystem.
ENDS
Acclaimed Papua New Guinean–born Australian artist, Ngaiire.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100