Papua New Guinea’s reggae ambassador Anslom Nakikus has once again etched his name in history, this time being awarded the prestigious King’s Jubilee Medal for his outstanding contribution to the local music industry and his role in promoting PNG’s culture, tourism potential and heritage internationally.
The award was presented at Government House by Governor General Sir Bob Bofeng Dadae, acknowledging Anslom’s decades-long journey as one of the country’s most influential music icons.
Born as Ronald Nakikus in Matupit, East New Britain province, Anslom first made waves in local music through family and community bands before rising to prominence with his soulful brand of reggae with the blending of island rhythm and conscious storytelling inspired by legends like Bob Marley and Lucky Dube.
His international breakthrough came through a series of major awards and recognitions abroad. In 2023, he won Band of the Year at the International Singer Songwriters Association ceremony in Atlanta and clinched top honors including the Best of America Award and ICon Award at the InterContinental Music Awards. In 2024 he again triumphed with an InterContinental Music Award for his hit single Break ‘The Barrier’, further cementing his global appeal.
Anslom’s music has taken him far beyond PNG’s shores, from collaborating with reggae greats like The Wailers to making history as the first PNG artist invited to perform at Jamaica’s One Love Festival, the birthplace of reggae.
Despite juggling early struggles, including funding his own recordings and mixing traditional Pacific sounds with rich global influences, Anslom has always stayed true to his message of unity, love and cultural pride which are values that continue to resonate with fans around the world.
The King’s Jubilee Medal not only honors his artistic achievements but also recognizes his role as a cultural ambassador, lifting the PNG flag high on the world stage and inspiring a new generation of artists to dream big.