The Gulf Music and Culture Association (GMCA)was officially launched on the 21st of March 2025 at the National Cultural Commission (NCC) Head Office Downtown Port Moresby. The event marked a significant milestone in preserving and celebrating the unique cultural heritage of the Gulf Province, known for its deep-rooted traditions and long line of PNG legend musicians.

The launch drew an enthusiastic presence of the First Secretary of Ministry of Tourism Arts and Culture Cultural Mr David Lepi, Executive Director of National Cultural Commission, Mr. Steven Enomb Kilanda, President of Gulf Music and Culture Association, Mr. Alex Anthony, advocates, government officials, artists, and NCC staff.

National Cultural Commission is a committed supporter and facilitator of cultural preservation, pledged its support to the GMCA. The executive director of the commission applauded the initiative, noting that the launch represented a crucial step toward ensuring that Papua New Guinea’s rich cultural identity remains vibrant and intact in a rapidly changing world through music and culture.

Mr. Steven Enomb Kilanda, Executive Director of National Cultural Commission, says today marks a significant step in our collective efforts to preserve Papua New Guinea’s cultural diversity. The Gulf Music and Culture Association’s vision aligns perfectly with the National Cultural Commission’s mission to celebrate and safeguard our nation’s rich traditions.

“Together, we will ensure these treasures thrive in an ever-changing world. To preserve our culture through music, we need to work together. The NCC profoundly encourages the skilled and talented artists around the country to create a music group or association in the respective provinces of PNG so that we can work together to promote our music and culture in the country,” says Mr. Kilanda.

“NCC can not be able to support the individual artist one at a time. The best time I encourage is that in every province, all artists should come together to form a music and culture group like this Gulf Music and Culture Association so that we will be working together to promote our music and culture,” he added.

The First Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism Arts and Culture Mr. David Lepi acknowledges the National Cultural Commission and the Executive Director, Mr. Kilanda for tirelessly pave the possible development and promotion of the vast variety of cultures such as music and cultural shows and cultural centres throughout the country.

“I thank the NCC Executive Director Mr. Steven Enomb Kilanda for a vast variety of changes in PNG culture through your persistent engagements and collaborations with the local level up to the national level in bringing the cultural heritage of the country forward,” says Mr. Lepi.

The president of the Gulf Music and Culture Association, Mr. Alex Anthony emphasized the organization’s mission to promote cultural awareness and preserve the province’s artistic legacy for future generations. He highlighted the challenges faced by traditional art forms in an era of modernization and underscored the importance of passing these traditions to younger generations.

“Our association was born out of a passion to keep the music, stories, and traditions of the Gulf Province alive. We believe that culture is the heartbeat of a community, and through this initiative, we aim to inspire pride and unity among our people. This is just the beginning of a journey to protect and promote our unique heritage,” says Mr. Anthony.

“I heartfeltly applaud the National Cultural Commission, under your good and persistent leadership, Mr. Steven Enomb Kilanda for your commitment and support to finally launch this association”, he added.

The launching of the Gulf Music and Culture Association heralds a new era of cultural preservation and celebration, reinforcing the Gulf Province’s contributions to Papua New Guinea’s national identity. It is a call to action for communities to embrace and protect their cultural heritage while finding innovative ways to keep these traditions alive and relevant.

The Gulf Music and Culture Association stands poised to lead the charge, ensuring that the rhythms, stories, and traditions of the Gulf Province continue to thrive in the hearts and minds of future generations. Gulf Music and Culture Association will host its first ever music festival lasting for five days leading up to embrace the 50th Independence Anniversary.