Canadian pop star The Weeknd has reverted to his birth name Abel Tesfaye on his social media accounts. The singer, known for his catchy pop tunes like Blinding Lights, asked his fans on Twitter in April if he should make the change. "ABEL formally known as The Weeknd?" he asked his fans in a tweet that received over one hundred thousand likes. The name change comes after the award winning artist revealed he wanted to "kill The Weeknd" to W Magazine. "I'm going through a cathartic path right now" he said. "It's getting to a place and time where I'm getting ready to close The Weeknd chapter." The artist has previously said his name came about after he dropped out of school and took his mattress "leaving one weekend and never coming home", the Daily Mail reported. But he told W Magazine: "As the Weeknd, I've said everything I can say." He added that his next album would probably be his "last hurrah" under that name. Born in Toronto to Ethiopian immigrants, Tesfaye rose to fame after he uploaded his first songs to YouTube in 2010, showcasing a dark, explicit strand of R&B that delved into drug use, casual sex and alienation. Canadian rapper Drake then posted those early demos to his personal blog; allowing Tesfaye to produce a nine-song mixtape, House of Balloons, which he released as a free download. During his music career he has won four Grammy awards, had more than 45 platinum singles and albums and broken many music records. In March 2023, the Guinness World Records declared him the most popular artist in the world due to the number of monthly listeners he had on Spotify. As of March 2023, the 33-year-old had 111.4 million monthly listeners on Spotify, and was the first artist to have 100 million monthly listeners on the streaming app. "The Weeknd currently has almost 30 million more monthly listeners than second-placed Miley Cyrus (82.4 million)" they wrote in a press release. Source: BBC

As Papua New Guinea celebrates Mother’s Day, the country’s leading superannuation provider National Superannuation Fund Ltd or Nasfund announced a new initiative to benefit its female employees. The Fund introduced the payment of superannuation on unpaid maternity for its female staff – a first for the industry, and for the country. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Rajeev Sharma, said as a responsible employer, Nasfund is committed to promoting gender equality and bridging the gap that exists with the disparities faced by women at the point of retirement. “On average, for example, a female contributor may miss out on superannuation contributions of up to K500 due to unpaid maternity leave. This then affects her final superannuation balance in the long run by as much as K2, 895.00 at the age of 60 (assuming a 5% annual return). This happens due to the impact of cumulative interest. This is why continuing savings during early years of life is important. This new initiative ensures that all female employees of Nasfund who take unpaid maternity leave will continue to receive their employer contributions during their absence from work, providing them with financial security during a crucial period in their lives and ensuring that they don't miss out on the benefits of superannuation. “We are proud to introduce this initiative on Mother's Day, which is a symbolic celebration of motherhood. In line with our corporate values, we operate as a responsible employer and recognize the challenges that working mothers face and the impact it can have on their financial independence and security at retirement.” “Staying true to our values, we hope to inspire others through what we do today for a better tomorrow." Furthermore, the new initiative is part of Nasfund’s ongoing efforts to provide a healthy working environment for the staff who work as a team in delivering innovative and impactful services to its members. It demonstrates the organization's commitment to their members and dedication in promoting gender equality and social responsibility. By Law, employer contributions are capped at 15%. Nasfund currently contributes an additional 1.6% to the mandatory 8.4% employer contributions component for all Nasfund staff as well as allowing for paid paternity leave for male employees.

Nominations for The Justin Kili Awards are now open as of Monday the 8th of May 2023 for the YUMI FM PNG Musik Awards 2023 that will take place on the 17th of June at the Gold Club Arena. During this time all listeners can come forward to nominate music artists who have contributed greatly in the music industry. Senior Radio Personality of YUMI FM, Turner Arifeae better known by his radio name Kasty, said that music artists nominated for this particular award can either be singers or producers who have made a name for themselves in the music industry and country. “As we speak, many nominations are now coming through and we are happy that we have so far seen big name artists especially those who have started their music career as far back to the 70s.” Kasty told PNGHAUSBUNG that this is a big initiative that they have come up with in recognition of the contributions that the ‘MUSIC GURU’ himself, the Late Justin Kili gave to music artists during his time as a broadcaster. Over the years, during the time he was broadcasting, he has helped many music artists in the country. “Although he has passed on, we still honour what he has done for the artists especially through The Weekly PNG Top 20 countdown (The National Weekly Hit Parade) he initiated where he hosted in other radio stations that he worked for previously until he joined PNGFM in 1997.” “The Top 20 countdown was then introduced on our radio station where it was aired." "It was then in 2005 that we decided it’s time we do something for our local artists and that it was where the YUMI FM PNG MusiK Awards came to be.” Three years later, YUMI FM then introduced a new category to the YUMI FM PNG Musik Awards and named it the Justin Kili Awards. Kasty shared the experience of when he first asked the late JK if a category were included in his name to recognize the local artists, where he says the late JK accepted and approved. “The whole purpose of this YUMI FM PNG Musik Awards is to give thank you and appreciation to our local artists for having their songs air played on YUMI FM.” “Nominations can be made on the YUMI FM PNG Musik Awards Facebook Page or you can come over to the PNGFM office at Ahuia Street at Gordons to drop your nominations or call on 73738819 or 3257512.” Nominations will close on the 21st of this month at 11:59pm.

First time nominee of the Female Artist of the Year 2021, Natuharinah Lavett Holden who is better known as Rhee, shared excitement as she received her first nomination for the YUMI FM PNG Musik Awards 2023. Rhee is amongst two other nominees who have also been nominated for the Female Artist of the Year category for the year 2021. The awards night will highlight and recognize the efforts of local music artists over the last two years; 2021-2022. “I’m very excited and thankful as well. Not to say that I was expecting to get nominated but hard work pays off, so I knew that there was a chance there for me.” In terms of highlights over the years 2021 and 2022, Rhee released a few of her songs as well as her hit song back in 2021 which was “I Knew What Love Was”. “I’ve just been focused on making music and releasing my songs and I’m proud of how far I’ve come.” Rhee further shared inspiration of how her songs have come to be as being inspired by love. Though she claims she is not as romantic as she writes, love was one thing that motivated her in writing her lyrics. “I love writing love songs because growing up, I always loved listening to those types of music and that’s what inspired me.” Rhee also shared insights as a female music artist working in a male dominated industry, where she has received nothing but support from the male artists. “The good thing about me being in the music industry as a female, is that I do get a lot of support from these male artists and a lot of push from them too.For us to come out and to record music under the different productions and then to work alongside them, is great.” “We get a lot support from them and I know the other female artists would agree with me.” She also shared how the male artists help them in knowing how and what type of music PNG loves listening to and how to put their melody into it. Rhee further encouraged more women be given that space and chance in the music industry to come forward and sing. “If you are passionate then do it. At the end of the day, entertainment is demand, people need to listen to music so if you want to take it, then do so.” Meanwhile, Rhee has released a total of five songs this year in which has only been played on the air waves. She is yet to release on the social media platforms. Rhee thanked her fans, family and friends for the support and has encouraged everyone to just look out for more new music to come out. She also thanked Yumi Fm and PNGFM as a whole for also giving all music artist the platform to express themselves through their music so that people can listen to their songs.

The YUMI FM PNG Musik Awards 2023 is back on and will be bigger than ever. That’s from the Content Director of YUMI FM, Tuluan Vitz, who stated that the event this time around will showcase and recognize the efforts of the most nominated music artists who have produced songs in the last two years; 2021 and 2022. Tuluan told PNG HAUSBUNG that this is because there has been no YUMI FM PNG Musik Awards hosted last year (2022) and this year they are doubling the awards, where two artists will be awarded for those respective last two years 2021 and 2022 under the ten categories: 1. Best New Artist of the Year 2. Artist of the Year 3. Song of the Year 4. Male Artist of the Year 5. Female Artist of the Year 6. Registered Artist of The Year (APRA) 7. Duo/ Group of the Year 8. Producer of the Year 9. Justin Kili Award 10. People’s Choice Song of the Year “It’s been two years since we had a Yumi FM PNG Musik Awards, and the last time we had a Musik Awards night which was aired Live on Radio in 2021. That was the year we recognized and awarded the most nominated artists who produced and released songs in 2020.” “It has also been four years since we had a public event which we are now bringing back this year.” In addition, Tuluan stated that the YUMI FM PNG Musik Awards was only aired twice Live on Radio in 2020 and 2021, recognizing artists from the previous years. This she said was after they stopped hosting the event as a public event due to the COVID 19 Pandemic. “So this year will be different. We will come back to showcase as a public event again and it will be much bigger due to us having to announce two winners each under the categories 2021 and 2022.” “We have been working tirelessly as a team to make sure we get everything done on time.” “Its hard work but I am looking forward for the night itself. It’s a big event so do come along and witness the show.” Tickets for the Yumi FM PNG Musik Awards are not out yet; but you can pre- book tickets now via the Total Events Company on phone numbers 323 0352 / 7373 8809. Balcony is K200 and Arena is K150. The Yumi FM PNG Musik Awards comes to you with support of Platinum Sponsor, Coca Cola and Gold Sponsor, Vodafone, NAU FM, Legend FM, PNG HAUSBUNG and Magic Factory

New in the music industry, singer, song writer and producer, Jarahn, has certainly earned himself a nomination in the upcoming YUMI FM PNG Musik Awards 2023. Jarahn was nominated under the category, Best New Artist of the Year 2022. The awards night will feature celebrate the work of local artists over the last two years 2021-2022. Jarahn expressed how proud he was to get a nomination for the first time and pride in reaching a milestone in his music career. “I hope to accomplish more achievements such as this one. And I am proud of myself that I got to earn something as big as this.” A major highlight that Jarahn highlighted in his music career was last year, 2022 when he first went on an Ice Tour with some of the famous music artists around the country. “The tour was where I gained a lot of recognition and got to record a few songs with the big artists such as Dj Dirty Fingerz, Ragga Sia and Sailas Kania." Jarahn plans on pursuing his career and is eager to produce more songs to be recognized in the music industry both locally and internationally. “I am looking forward at boosting my career at an international level and make my dreams a reality and that’s to produce and write songs. Starting small is the key in achieving bigger dreams.” This will be Jarahn’s first nomination for the YUMI FM PNG Musik Awards 2023.

“Never waste an opportunity to sell.” These were the words of a keen and enthusiastic individual who has certainly paved a way for PNG women in the fashion industry. Entrepreneur and Owner of Maku Gifts, Annette Sete, for the first time has pushed boundaries and gone out of her comfort zone in creating her first ever Runway Show. The first of its kind event, ending on a high note as more than 300 people attended the spectacular Lavagirl Xplosion Runway Show that was hosted at the APEC Haus, Port Moresby.   The show itself portrayed a total of twelve collections showcased by 40 models on the night. With all hard work paid off, Sete has produced and put in a lot of work that she and the team put together to create such a big event. She expressed nothing but appreciation to everyone who has contributed towards the show. The night itself portrayed the different collections under the categories; Corporate Wear, Street Wear, Bilum Leather, Bold and Beautiful, Everyday Woman, Lavagirl Fragrance, Mad Maxi and Traditionally Inspired Design (TID). From the different collections showcased different fabrics to clothing to accessories that the stunning models portrayed. Also a highlight of the night was collection of men’s wear including, shirts, caps and other wear from PNG Label Barata PNG owned by Christopher Lam who also worked tirelessly by Sete’s side to add color and creativity to the show. According to Sete, the show took more than two years to plan and produce and being the first of its kind, it brought upon many challenges but she can finally say that it was a job well done. Sete also showcased new clothing just for mother’s day and encouraged everyone to see what they have in stock. “We have collections that are predominantly for mother’s day and we have released the original crotons plants that are printed on the meri blouses just for that.” Sete thanked all partners who came onboard in making the show happen including Vision City, Pacific Oil Management, Bilas Studio, Edgewood Hotel, Creative Arts Limited, Budget Rent A Car, PNG Air, Next of Kin Production, Coca Cola and others who have also supported.

Being nominated for the first time for the YUMI FM PNG Musik Awards 2023, Kronos received four nominations in which he expressed as something exciting and honored to be one of the nominees for such a big event. The awards night will feature and celebrate the work of local artists over the last two years, 2021 and 2022. Kronos was nominated for the four categories: · Artist of the Year 2021 · Male Artist of the Year 2021 · Song of the Year 2022 · Duo/ Group of the Year 2022 The Murumbu singer shared with PNGHAUSBUNG major highlights he endured in both years; 2021 and 2022 as something both challenging and exciting. “In 2021, it was a tough year due to losing both my mum and dad during that year and that’s when I put all of my energy into making music.” “I started doing a lot of songs from the heart, so it made a big impact. In 2022 it was sort of a recovery year for me for what I had gone through in the previous year as I was trying to recover from the loss and pain I went through and build on from there. So it was tough, but also a blessing.” The tough and emotional rollercoaster did not stop him from pursuing his passion for music. Being that, this month will see Kronos launch his first ever album titled, Kande Kumul. “The album will contain different tracks from different places around the country and will be portraying different styles of genres such as a bit of local, soft rock, and a bit of pop as well, so I’m excited for that.” Kronos made a special thanks to his fans, stating that the nominations are for them, crediting them big time for the support they have given him.

On May the 8th, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement will be celebrating the World Red Cross Red Crescent Day to recognize the importance of humanitarian action in saving lives, protecting livelihoods and upholding human dignity. This year, the staff of the PNG Red Cross Society (PNGRCS), the International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) want to highlight the universal, human and diverse aspects of movement by the Papua New Guinea Red Cross Society by focusing on their volunteers of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in responding to crisis, providing essential services and building resilience. According to Secretary General of the Papua New Guinea Red Cross Society, Valachie Quagliata, the PNG Red Cross volunteers and staff work tirelessly to help people in need, often in very challenging circumstances. “On the special day, we will celebrate their courage, commitment and compassion and renew our pledge to work together to alleviate human suffering and promote human dignity.” Similarly, PNG Head of Mission of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Georgios Georgantas, said that with the support of PNG Red Cross volunteers and staff, they have helped communities affected by tribal violence, disasters and other humanitarian concerns in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Hela, Southern Highlands and Enga provinces since 2012. Additionally, Country Head of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), Maki Igarashi, expressed in similar terms how grateful they are to work alongside PNG Red Cross to carry out humanitarian mandate in PNG. “It would not be achieved without the commitment and tireless efforts of PNG Red Cross staff and volunteers on the ground.” Furthermore, to mark the occasion, National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies around the world are organizing various events and activities, including blood donation campaigns, first aid training sessions, community awareness programs and fundraising drives. These initiatives aims to raise awareness about the importance of humanitarian action, mobilize resources for emergency response and promote the values of humanity impartiality, neutrality, independence voluntary service unity and universality. The World Red Cross Red Crescent Day has been observed annually since 1948, commemorating the birth anniversary of Henry Dunant; the founder of the Red Cross. It serves as an opportunity to honor the humanitarian legacy of Dunant and the millions of Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers and staff who have dedicated their lives to serving humanity.

Minister for Defense, Win Bakri Daki has paid a courtesy visit to the Kokopo fire station office in East New Britain (ENB) recently. The Minister was accompanied by the Chief Fire Officer, Bill Roo and welcomed by ENB leaders; Member for Kokopo, Ereman ToBaining Jnr, Member for Pomio, Elias Kapavore, Acting Provincial Administrator, Levi Mano, ENBPA Disaster Director and ENB Governor, Michael Marum. The purpose of the visit was for the Minister for Defense to visit the station and to see how they are going about with their operations. The visit is also to see what things are needed in order to provide a better and efficient fire service in the province. Speaking during the small but significant event, Minister Daki said that now with the Marape-Rosso government, this will now be one of his many obligations to visit the department in other provinces. “Our resources and our properties are very important. It is hard to rebuild new ones again and this sector is important and needs support in order to build what is necessary.” “For the last years there has not been any presence of a minister who has come down to the level of a province to visit offices and now as the new minister, I want to increase the manpower and trucks.” Minister Daki stated that in terms of issuing new vehicles for the fire station, they used to get trucks from donors and if they do have a lot of them in Port Moresby, then those trucks are sent to outside stations. “The fire service sector doesn’t have a high demand in terms of budgeting resources for this department of the government agency but now that I’m here, this will increase this year I have increased the budget. Meanwhile, Member for Kokopo, Ereman ToBaining Jnr commended the Kokopo fire station for their continuous service in Kokopo town over the years. He said Kokopo has a record of losing important businesses and buildings and directed the call to the Defense minister to look into the station and give support. ToBaining stated that the provincial government through the leadership of the Governor, Michael Marum, they have secured a land each in Rabaul and in the Gazelle district. “The land is under the state and they are arranging for the transfer of the certificate of competency and we will work with your department as a way forward and partnership for the construction of facilities and improve some of the firefighting base in the province.” On behalf of the province he acknowledged the minister for his visit to the Kokopo fire station, commenting that there is no minister like him who has done such visiting; however, with the visit they hope the province will see change in the fire station.

Nominated for four categories of the YUMI FM PNG Musik Awards 2023, Jnr Viginuts or Jnr Vigi, have never felt so much motivation in boosting them to perform more in their musical career. Jnr Viginuts, a group comprised of three brothers from Keapara village in Central province, have for the first time been nominated, not for one, but for four categories. The awards night will feature and celebrate the work of local artists over the last two years 2021-2022 and the trio group have certainly earned the spot to be nominated for more than one category. The group was nominated for the following categories; • Best New Artist of the Year 2021, • Artist of the Year 2022, • Song of the Year 2021, and • Duo/ Group of the Year 2021. One of the brothers, Adrian who is known as Drian, expressed how excited they were as a group to be able to produce and sing songs that their listeners love listening to. “The feeling of being nominated for the first time for the YUMI FM PNG Musik Awards is just one of a kind and we are truly happy and grateful for being recognized.” “Being nominated surely challenges us to do better; it boosts us to make music.” Drian on behalf of the group thanked their fans for their support and love, saying that their support was something pushes them to further their musical career and come up with more hits. One of the group’s hit songs in 2022 was Jamali.

Papua New Guinea’s international artist, Anslom, is among talented musical artists from the United States and around the world who are finalists for various music awards. The International Singer Songwriters Association (ISSA) in the United States of America, recently announced finalists of awards in various categories. The ISSA is a platform that honors excellence in individual singer songwriters and musicians worldwide which is based in Atlanta, Georgia in the USA. Anslom was announced as finalist in the following two categories: · International Band of the Year; and · International Male Album of the Year – Love me again Anslom thanked the people of Papua New Guinea for voting him in the last two weeks which has made him a finalist for the two international awards. “I am indebted to Dave Segal and the One People Band in South Africa as well as Emmanuel Muganaua for the engineering and mixing genius on the songs.” “With that, I’d also like to thank my record label Big Records and management team at Bassline and others who have contributed to me reaching new heights in my music career.” When announcing the finalists, ISSA founder Tamanie Dove stated that there were 777 nominations this year. “To have made it to this very exclusive list of finalists out of all these nominations, is in itself an achievement to be very proud of.” “This is a very big step forward in your music career.” “We can’t wait to see you walk the red carpet in Atlanta.” “Record labels are taking note of us, hall of fame organizations are paying more attention to us.” Anslom and other finalists in the United States and from around the world have now earned the right to walk the red carpet at the 2023 ISSA Awards Show in Atlanta, Georgia on August 5th.