A new digital music platform has been launched to provide Ni-Vanuatu artists with a dedicated space to promote, distribute and protect their music.

The platform, called Vantune, has been developed by Island Empire Vanuatu and is designed exclusively for local artists and music listeners in Vanuatu.

Chairman of Island Empire Vanuatu, Christiano Tarilenga, said the app offers features that allow artists to better understand their audience while keeping their music protected.

“Vantune is different and unique in its own way. It allows many artists to upload their music and provides useful information, including where your audience is listening from, how many followers you have and who you are following. It is similar to Spotify, but it is a platform created specifically for Vanuatu and our local artists.”

Mr Tarilenga said the platform also addresses one of the biggest challenges facing musicians in Vanuatu—music piracy.

“In the past, an artist might sell one memory card containing their music, but after one person buys it, the songs are copied and shared with many others. The artist only receives payment once while many people listen for free. With this app, the music is protected because only people who pay can access and listen to it.”

Mr Tarilenga, who is also a local recording artist known by the stage name Falgon, said the creation of Vantune comes at a time when artificial intelligence-generated music is becoming more common.

He said Island Empire Vanuatu hopes the platform will encourage more local artists and young musicians to continue creating original music while preserving Vanuatu’s culture and stories for future generations.