After more than 20 years in the PNG music industry, award winning artiste Mal Meninga Kuri says he is fighting a battle to save the authentic sound and spirit of Papua New Guinea’s legendary performers.

The threat comes from AI – Artificial Intelligence, and the rising prevalence of computer generated cover versions of songs that offer no financial benefit to their creators whatsoever.  

In a passionate social media post, Mal described the practice of AI covers as unethical and disrespectful and risks tearing the heart out of the PNG music industry.

Now his campaign is gathering momentum, with growing support not just from within the music industry, but from the corridors of power as well.Â