By GABRIEL KATUHO
Ry Dee, an upcoming PNG artist has shared his experience on performing at one of the biggest stages in Port Moresby.
Ry Dee performed at the Oro Night on 26 September 2025, hosted by the UPNG Oro Students Association, as a fundraising drive to help the province to address some of its issues.
Backed by the stage band ZFK, Ry Dee performed his singles Tehora, Mangi Popondetta and Sisivu in front of the packed crowd.
In an interview with this paper, the young talent shared his experience at 2025 Oro Night.
“Before taking the stage, I was overwhelmed and bit nervous but as soon as I put my foot on the stage. I got the courage from the fans and family which enabled me to fire up,” Ry Dee explained.
It was an exciting moment for the young artist from Samba village in the Central Kaiva area of Oro province, who never thought he would share the stage with the PNG Music Legend, Allan-Li Herove. The lead vocalist for the Saugas and Northside bands.
Growing up listening to the Saugas’ and Northside’s music, Ry Dee never thought he would share the stage with them. After performing at the Cosmopolitan Ry Dee described the feeling as special, memorable, and a moment that he will cherish.
“I was so excited when I got a phone call from one of the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) Oro Students Association (OSA) executives, telling me that I was named in the list of the bands/artists who will be performing at the Oro night,” he described.
“I was looking forward to debut on the big stage in front of my home fans and family so I had a mix emotional feeling,” he added.
Ry Dee, during his rehearsal in preparation for the night, paid close attention to Northside and Saugas and have learnt something from them.
“Something I learnt from Sauga and Northside is that, their punctuality towards the rehearsal was perfect. That is what discipline in music is,” he said.
His passion of music started back in high school where the usual social night/fun nights hosted by the Arts department and the school representative committee on weekends was the avenue where his talents get exposed.
“At those time I usually go up there and do covers of Wameblood, Tarvin Toune, K-Duman, O-Shen, Haus Boy and late B-Rad.
He said B-Rad’s music was his inspiration when he was a little boy.
“I always walk up and down the streams and sing their hit songs. After completing my grade 12, I flew over to Port Moresby from Popondetta to further my tertiary studies and that is when my dream in music became a reality,” Ry Dee stated.
“I believed in myself that I can do better so I started recording my songs in 2020. In 2023 I released Mangi Popondetta and Tehora featuring Eldiz Mune. These two songs were my fan’s favorite and they still listen to the songs.
It was through these songs that gained me exposure at the biggest stage in Port Moresby, the Cosmopolitan.
Ry Dee is enjoying what he does by composing songs, associating himself with the local bands in Port Moresby sings.
With his first appearance at Cosmopolitan Ry Dee’s musical journey looks promising, however it would not be that epic with the support of the UPNG Oro Students Association under the leadership of Vice President Clearance Honani Jnr and other esteemed executives in the Association.
He thanked the executives for identifying him and help shining light in him in the realm of PNG music industry.
Ry Dee’s goal concedes with the main objectives of the UPNG Oro students Association which makes his appearance on the stage worth it.
“My main goal is to locate a good sponsor who can help me raise funds through fundraising gigs and help support my rural schools, aid posts/ health centers and churches in my district,” he affirmed.