The Solomon Islands High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, His Excellency William Soaki, together with the Solomon Islands community in Port Moresby, co-hosted an informal farewell dinner on 1 June 2025 at the High Commission’s Haus Win to honour Solomon Islands musicians and artists who participated in the grand finale of the Pacific Story cultural showcase.
The Pacific Story, an initiative of the Governor of the National Capital District (NCD), is part of a series of celebrations commemorating Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary, leading up to 16 September 2025.
In previous weekends, the showcase featured performances by artists and communities from New Zealand, Tonga, Samoa, the Cook Islands, Tahiti, and Tuvalu.
The final event, held on Saturday, 31 May at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium, featured performances from the Solomon Islands, Fiji, and West Papua communities.
Representing the Solomon Islands were renowned musical artists and bands including Onetox, Kool Roots, POV, Ghemu, Ramo, Jammin, and guest performers from Plug19.
Their vibrant and powerful performances were widely acclaimed as the highlight of the night, drawing the largest audience recorded at the venue throughout the Pacific Story series.
In addition to the musical acts, the Solomon Islands diaspora presented traditional cultural dances that further showcased the country’s rich and diverse cultural heritage.
The delegation also included a traditional weaver and a shell money artisan, whose crafts were displayed and made available for sale during the event.
Dignitaries in attendance at the Pacific Story finale included the Governor-General of Papua New Guinea, H.E. Sir Bob Dadae, Prime Minister Hon. James Marape, and NCD Governor Hon. Powes Parkop, alongside members of the diplomatic corps and the Port Moresby public.
Speaking at the farewell dinner, High Commissioner Soaki extended heartfelt gratitude to the Solomon Islands artists and cultural representatives for their outstanding contributions.
“You have represented our beloved Solomon Islands with great pride. Your performances have not only entertained but also inspired, fostering connections between our people, Papua New Guinea, and the wider Pacific family.
“You have been true cultural ambassadors for our nation,” H.E. Soaki said.
–MFAET PRESS RELEASE
