By GABRIEL KATUHO
It was a celebration full of anticipation with the spirit of Independence as the Vice Chancellor’s Field at the University of Papua New Guinea was filled to capacity.
The university students graced the arena with their traditional singsing groups representing each provincial groups.
The smoke rose from the stalls as it slowly mixed with the dust that rose from the stamping foot of the dancers and the dragging shoes of the moving crowd.
The odors from the barbeques filled the air as few umbrellas could not cover the angry sunlight that is striking the crowd.
There goes Mikes Toto, the renown PNG music sensation taking the stage with his hit song, “Take Me To Paradise”. The song recorded under the studio label of Cyclone Studio and produced by DJ Toxique that shook the airways in 2008, and remains an unforgettable hit song form the following years, 2009, 2010, 2011 and still remains the fan favorite till date.
Another song that got the crowd on their feet was the opening song “Mi Misim Yu”, released in 2023 and featured B-White- King Swaga.
Mikes Toto, the former lead vocalist and frontman of the Skwatas, was backed by the stage band, Drifters. It was a lifetime experience and the privilege to support the PNG music legend.
The morning of Tuesday, September 16, lit up with the MC announcing Toto’s appearance on the stage. The crowd packed the arena, eager to hear the Morata legend’s golden hits.
For the stage band, it a new experience to support the popular musician without prior rehearsals. However, it was not new to light up the show and get the crowd on their feet.
It was a moment of silence and ease at one point. But suddenly silence broke through as the Keyboard intro of Missim you slipped in. It was just a teaser for the crowd. A well calculated and precision from the sub keyboardist fingers hit the notes carefully.
“Em tasol yah,” the uneasy crowd responded. Then the actual performance slipped in. Two songs from Mikes Toto opened the program and followed by traditional performances form the students in each province from the four regions of the country.
The Drifters band made up of band members of Black Sunday Band which was formed to perform at the UPNG Talent Show by UPNG Oro students.
The Black Sunday Band was later recognized after appearing at the top three best group of the show and won prizes at the UPNG Battle of the band from 2022, 2023 and 2024.
In 2023 the Black Sunday Band broke the barrier by becoming the stage band for the UPNG Oro student’s association by playing almost 20 songs for the Famous Saugas band and front man Allan-Li-Herove at the Cosmopolitan, the biggest professional stage in Port Moresby where well known musicians set foot on. They also belted few songs from Beejoh and other artists.
The Band took the stage the second time in 2024 and played Saugas songs.
The members form the band joined with the few other musicians in Port Moresby to form Drifters that is now not just a band but a group that is more constructive and organized under a band Manager Michael Ambo, navigating on a journey through of music with a common goal.
The band plays in weeding and other events in Port Moresby on hired bases and on negotiable terms.
Band Manager Michael Ambo thanked the band for the job well done and making sure those who turned up at UPNG had a great day celebrating PNG’s Golden Jubilee.
He also thanked the UPNG SRC for the trust that made it possible for the wonderful and fun filled event at UPNG.