Visiting along with local artists performing at this weekend’s Pacific Community Day, have welcomed the initiative as an important platform for strengthening Pacific unity, growing the music industry, and creating new opportunities for regional collaboration.

Speaking during a press conference ahead of the May 16 celebrations at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium, in Port Moresby, Solomon Islands music artist Sharzy, thanked the National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop, and the event team for inviting him to be part of the celebrations.

“It’s a privilege for me to be part of this Pacific Community Day.”

He described Papua New Guinea as a “big brother” to Pacific Island nations, saying Port Moresby has the potential to become a major regional hub for Pacific arts, culture and entertainment.

“Papua New Guinea itself is a big brother to all Pacific Islanders in the region.”

Sharzy praised Port Moresby for hosting Pacific Community Day, saying such events help unite Pacific nations through music and culture.

“When Moresby City hosts something like Pacific Community Day, it is a big thing and it is the right thing, because Moresby is a big brother among cities in the region.”

The Solomon Islands musician also floated the idea of a larger regional festival, which he called Singaut Pasifika, bringing together musicians and cultural groups from across the Pacific.

“I want to see something bigger like Singaut Pasifika, where Pacific Islanders, especially musicians and cultural groups, can all come together and sing.”

Meanwhile, local artists Rhee and Mereani Masani also expressed excitement at sharing the stage with established regional artists.

Rhee described the event as a major career opportunity and platform for exposure.

“It is a great opportunity to share the stage with artists like Mereani, Kronos and Sharzy.”

“I used to listen to them growing up, so to now perform alongside them is really special.”

Meanwhile Mereani described music as a powerful tool for unity.

“Music has always been a powerful tool to bring people together and inspire change. This event helps bring the Pacific together and unite everyone,” she said.

As a proud Melanesian woman with Fijian and Papua New Guinean heritage, she said Pacific Community Day was personally meaningful.

“I proudly represent culture through music, so this is something I really love to do.”

She also acknowledged government support for the arts, saying stronger institutional backing is needed for PNG’s entertainment sector to grow.

“There is so much potential for the entertainment industry to go far, but we definitely need more support.”

Kronos also expressed his appreciation towards the Amazing Port Moresby team stating that these gigs help musicians and artists earn a living.