Many Papua New Guineans know Anslom Nakikus as a famous reggae singer. But fewer people know that he is also a well-educated man who studied at the University of Papua New Guinea and the University of Goroka before rising to international music success. His story shows how education and talent can work together to inspire a generation.
Anslom Nakikus: PNG Reggae Star Inspiring the World
by: Francos POV
MANY PAPUA NEW GUINEAS KNOW ANSLOM AS A REGGAE SUPERSTAR. BUT DID YOU KNOW HE IS ALSO HIGHLY EDUCATED?
The man many of us know simply as Anslom Nakikus, the voice behind some of PNG’s most loved reggae songs, is not just a singer and songwriter.
He is also an academically educated Papua New Guinean who pursued higher education before reaching international music stages.
Anslom (born Ronald Nakikus) is from Matupit Island near Rabaul in East New Britain Province, Papua New Guinea.
He began performing music around 1998, while studying at university, and later became the lead vocalist of Barike Band, one of PNG’s popular reggae groups
Before becoming an international reggae artist, Anslom focused on his education.
He studied Political Science at the University of Papua New Guinea – Bachelor of Arts degree in political Science.
He later completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Language and Literature at the University of Goroka.
His education helped shape the messages, storytelling, and social themes we hear in many of his songs.
Anslom has taken Papua New Guinea’s reggae music to the international stage.Some of his major achievements include:
- Band of the Year – International Singer Songwriters Association Awards (Atlanta, USA)
- iCon Award – InterContinental Music Awards
- Best of America Award – Reggae Category
These awards show that PNG music can compete on the global stage.
Like many reggae artists around the world, Anslom drew inspiration from global legends such as Bob Marley, Lucky Dube and Maxi Priest.
These influences helped shape his music style — reggae with strong messages about love, unity, justice and social awareness.
Beyond music, Anslom has been involved in public awareness and advocacy including:
HIV/AIDS awareness programs
Climate change awareness
Support for refugees and social justice causes
This reflects the traditional reggae role of artists using music as a voice for social change.
Anslom is widely regarded as one of the most influential reggae musicians from Papua New Guinea.
Through international tours and collaborations, he has helped introduce Melanesian reggae to global audiences and continues to proudly represent PNG culture worldwide.
Sometimes we only see the celebrity, but behind the music, Anslom is also an educated Papua New Guinean who used both knowledge and talent to reach the world stage.
This is something many young Papua New Guineans can learn from — education and passion can go hand in hand.
Francos POV
Sources: Wikipedia – Anslom Nakikus biography, NBC PNG News, The National (PNG), Post Courier, InterContinental Music Awards official website, PNG Facts
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