A press conference was held yesterday at the National Cultural Commission Board Room in Downtown Port Moresby.

Present at the event were Mr. Steven Enomb Kilanda, Executive Director of the National Cultural Commission (NCC); Mr. David Taim, Executive Manager for the Festival, Marketing, and Art Industry at NCC; and the Executive Manager of Corporate Services (NCC), representing the East Sepik Provincial Government and Ms. Winnie Bengo, Acting Executive Director of the Division of Art and Culture, was Mr. Patrick Nek, Acting Prosocial Officer for East Sepik.

The Mambu and Gramut Festival is a thematic event that is hosted by the East Sepik Provincial Government in collaboration with the National Cultural Commission.

The theme of the festival was to preserve and promote the diverse culture in the East Sepik Province.

The event was first hosted in 2005 as a way of celebrating the two iconic instruments in the Momase region (the Mambu and the Gramaut). In the Sepik area, the drum’s “voice” carries far, used to announce meetings, issue warnings, and communicate between villages through complex rhythms played by initiated men. More than an instrument, it is central to community life. Similarly, the bamboo flute, valued for its simplicity and melodic sound, is used in many cultures worldwide, including Asia, Africa, and the Pacific, often in ceremonies and music due to its resonant, clear tones.

In Papua New Guinea, the slit drum and the bamboo flute hold a special place in traditional music, communication, and storytelling. The instruments are often used to convey emotions, accompany dances, and mark important cultural rituals. The slit drum and the flutes can vary in size, each producing different notes and tones, and are crafted by skilled artisans using specific types of bamboo and hallo tree.

The instrument’s deep connection to nature and community life adds to more cultural significance, making it a symbol of harmony and heritage.

The Executive Director of the National Cultural Commission Mr. Steven Enomb Kilanda said, “It is important to preserve promote and safeguard our culture. Culture is our pride and our identity keeping it alive through activities like festivals should be vital.

Papua New Guinea is a unique country with thousands of cultures, PNG is not like other countries, it is the only country with 800-plus cultures. We must be proud of how diverse yet united we are.”

Mr. Patrick Nek, the Acting Protocol Officer of East Sepik Province, extended his appreciation to the National Cultural Commission for its ongoing support of the Mambu Na Garamut Festival.

“We are deeply grateful for the NCC’s consistent backing over the years. National Cultural Commission’s support has been essential in keeping this festival alive, allowing us to showcase and preserve our rich cultural heritage for future generations.”

A cheque of K10,000 was presented to the Mambu and Garamut festival as a token of the commission’s support.