Work is now underway to ensure Vanuatu’s first-ever Music Bill is tabled in Parliament before the end of the year.
Many musicians in Vanuatu have long called for a national music policy, and the Department of Industry has already started work to make this a reality.
Director of the Department of Industry, Lazarus Aising, told VBTC News that public awareness has already begun.
“Consultations were completed last year and the draft law is now being prepared. We hope to bring a bill forward this month for further consultation and state law processes,” he said.
Aising said the policy will help strengthen and support musicians, while also recognizing music as an important formal industry in Vanuatu.
Veteran musicians in Vanuatu are calling on the government to provide financial support to help revive local music that reflects the life and identity of Ni-Vanuatu people.
Local musician, Reynold Herena told VBTC News that the cost of setting up a band today is high, with equipment such as sound systems requiring significant investment.
“If we set up the band, the cost is around 100 million vatu because everything like sound we must pay. The government has forgotten us, and we are stressing that they must look at it again, because music is a powerful tool,” Herena said.
He recalled how popular bands from the past – such as Vatdoro, Huarere, Naio and many others – produced songs that carried strong messages about church, kastom, and daily life.
In earlier years, Herena said bands could earn as much as two million vatu from their music, unlike today, when digital technology and mobile phones allow songs to spread quickly without bringing much financial return to artists.
“As a senior musician, I want music to grow more, but as musicians we must be careful to do something that helps Vanuatu. Young musicians must make sure their music stays rooted in Vanuatu and promotes Vanuatu’s identity,” he added.
Another Long-time musician, Albea Nalisa, said the music industry is changing rapidly compared to the past.
“Trends are shifting a lot nowadays, especially with AI technology. Musicians are starting to lose the real taste of music in a person,” he said.
VBTC News also recalled the example of another musician Yosh Shing, who performed at the World Expo in July and attracted large crowds, showing the international power of music.
The musicians’ call comes ahead of the Fest’ Napuan Music Festival, a major annual event celebrating culture, unity, and resilience, which will mark its 30th anniversary this year.
Mr Aising said there is also financial support to various industries, including music.
“This year, the government has given twenty six million vatu to help promote and support our music industry plus handcriaft vendor,” Aising confirmed.
There are high hopes the music policy will be brought before Parliament in it’s second ordinary sitting in November.