As the PNG FM Limited prepares to host the 20th Edition of the YUMI FM PNG Music Awards later this month, musicians and industry figures across the country are calling on the National Government to recognize music as a major economic industry capable of generating millions and potentially billions in long-term revenue for Papua New Guinea.
Over the past 19 years, the YUMI FM PNG Music Awards has remained one of the country’s leading entertainment platforms dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the achievements of local musicians, singers, songwriters, producers, and bands throughout Papua New Guinea.
According to collective interview points gathered from several PNG music artists and entertainers, the awards have played a significant role in keeping the local music industry alive despite limited government support and investment into the sector.
Industry figures acknowledged PNG FM Limited for consistently taking the initiative to host the annual awards event, providing recognition, appreciation, and exposure to artists who continue contributing to the growth of Papua New Guinea music.
Artists say the PNG music industry remains largely underdeveloped and unsupported despite possessing enormous economic potential similar to the tourism and cultural sectors.
Many within the industry believe music, culture, and tradition are untapped “greenfield sectors” that could become sustainable long-term revenue generators for the country if properly commercialized and supported through policy, legislation, and government funding.
The artists further stated that while Papua New Guinea continues to rely heavily on extractive industries and mineral resources, such resources may eventually diminish over time, whereas music and culture are renewable industries capable of existing indefinitely.
Several artists pointed to countries such as the United States and parts of Europe, where governments and private sectors have invested heavily into commercializing music and entertainment industries that now generate billions of dollars annually through tourism, concerts, streaming, business activities, taxes, and employment.
According to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and U.S. economic studies, the wider American music industry contributes between US$170 billion and US$212 billion annually to the United States economy while supporting approximately 2.5 million jobs across recording studios, concerts, radio, streaming, marketing, tourism, security, and entertainment sectors.
Recorded music revenue in the United States alone reportedly reached around US$11.5 billion in 2025, largely driven by digital streaming platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music.
PNG artists say these examples demonstrate the potential value of music if Papua New Guinea begins seriously investing in the industry and establishing a proper legislative and institutional framework to support artists and creative businesses.
Some have also suggested that the government consider formally recognizing and funding the music industry through a dedicated state-supported agency or authority to help regulate, promote, and commercialize local talent both domestically and internationally.
As the YUMI FM PNG Music Awards celebrates its milestone 20th Anniversary this year, many artists say the occasion should also serve as a national conversation about the future of the country’s creative industry and the economic opportunities it presents for young people and aspiring musicians.
Organizers have confirmed that the 2025–2026 YUMI FM PNG Music Awards will be held on Saturday, May 23, at the Lamana Gold Club, where some of Papua New Guinea’s finest musical talents are expected to gather for the landmark celebration.