| Description |
Sanguma was a Papua New Guinean musical ensemble active from 1977 to 1985 and widely
regarded as the first PNG group to perform internationally. Formed at the PNG National Arts
School (Port Moresby) through a creative workshop programme, the band blended traditional
Melanesian music — garamuts (log drums), bamboo percussion, panpipes, kuakumba flutes — with
electric guitars, keyboards, synthesizers, saxophone and trumpet. Vocalists sang in multiple local
vernacular languages, Tok Pisin, and English. Their music expressed the birth of an independent,
sovereign Melanesian nation during the postcolonial era.
Core Members.
Tony Subam - Composition & arrangement, flute, keyboard, percussion, voice, wind, saxophone
Sebastian Miyoni - Composition & arrangement, keyboard, percussion, voice, wind
Thomas Komboi - Composition & arrangement, keyboard, trumpet, percussion
Buruka Tau - Composition & arrangement, keyboard
Aaron Murray - Composition & arrangement, flute, keyboard, percussion,voice, dance
Raymond Hakena - Bamboo flute, percussion, drums, voice
Leonard Taligatus - Guitar, percussion, voice, wind
Apa Saun Bass guitar, bamboo flutes, percussion, voice
Paul Yabo - Percussion, trumpet, voice
Known Albums and Performances.
Sanguma 1 - Late 1970s
Sanguma 2 - Late 1970s
Sanguma Live Vol 1&2 - Early 1980s Live recordings
Eberia - Early 1980s with the National Dance Company
Sanguma Suites - 1983 with Progressive traditional, rock, jazz fusion; composed by Subam & Miyoni
The recordings labelled 'Sanguma – Side 1' or Side 1 of a cassette tape, most likely from Sanguma 1 or Sanguma 2 (late 1970s).
Song List.
1. 001 - Yali Kowe (probable)
2. 002 - Unknown
3. 003 - Unknown
4. 004 - Unknown
5. 005 - Makambela
6. 006 - Instrumental.
7. 007 - Outro jingle /Instrumental
8. 008 - Unknown
Source: Wantok Musik Foundation
(David Bridie & Steven Gagau, April 2026) |
