Unity Anthem - Papua New Guinea by Steven M and the PNGSIWA (Music Video)

‘Unity Anthem – Papua New Guinea’ is a powerful 100 percent original song written, recorded, and produced by Daniel Kereka, Steven Matainaho (Steven M), and Dr. Fifaia Matainaho. The song was written and recorded as part of a PNGSIWA community project with an objective to instill a sense of responsibility and patriotism to those involved (singing) and all listeners - PNGeans both abroad and in-country. This song recognizes that with PNG being the most diverse country in the world, it faces unique development challenges and thus (political) unity is the way forward.

PNGSIWA stands for ‘PNG Students in Wuhan, China Association’. During the time this song was recorded – May 2015 – there were 34 PNG students studying in Wuhan, China. The outcome of this projects (as can be heard from the song) is that there are almost 40 voices recorded representing a good percentage of Papua New Guineans in China in 2015. All four regions of PNG are represented. This song was done for our people by our people! The song was recorded by Steven M in a student dormitory room in China.

This song is in no way intended to be associated with the 2015 Pacific Games or PNG Independence Day (note the name ‘Unity Anthem – PNG’ instead of ‘PNG Unity Anthem’). It was originally written for the PNGSIWA however it certainly passes as a timeless song (truly unbounded to any event!) of which all Papua New Guineans can be able to connect with as long as they live!

As you listen and watch the music video it is hoped that you will be able to reconnect with your country – Papua New Guinea – and a sense of responsibility and patriotism will be re-instilled in you.

I believe that even with over 800 diverse cultures compressed into a mere population of 7.5 million, true national unity is still possible…and ultimately essential if we – Papua New Guinea – are to excel to a globally recognized level and thus achieve our Vision 2050 for a happy, fair, smart, and wise society.

Audio Credits:
Written by Daniel Kereka, Dr. Fifaia Matainaho, Steven Matainaho
Arranged and Produced by Steven Matainaho
Advisory support: Dr Fifaia Matainaho, Esther Matainaho, Daniel Kereka

Video Credits:
All Cultural and Geographical footage from Steven and Esther Matainaho’s personal footage archives.
- Oro Dancers from Marcel and Caribbean Parkop’s Wedding (22 August, 2015).
- Don Bosco Students Simbu Dance at Don Bosco bicentennial celebrations in Kerowagi, Simbu Province.
- Woodlark Students Budibudi Dance at Cameron 2008 Secondary School Cultural Show
- Maiom and Ngavalus Dancers at 2012 Panaurinik Malangan Ceremony

Historical Footage Acknowledgements:
1. ABC (Australia) – ‘PNG Faces Military Mutiny’
2. SBS – ‘PNG in Dispute over Bougainville’
3. EMTV – ‘9th Pacific Games’ and ‘Aitape Disaster’

Various ‘Other’ and Amateur Footages
- Two volcano erupted in Rabaul Sept 1994
- PNG Peace Deal Signing

This song is dedicated to the people of Papua New Guinea by the PNGSIWA.