Culture is the glue that binds together the local spirit and identity of each and every indigenous group in West Papua. But as a result of the growing influence of Christianity, the encroachment of global culture, inappropriate and large scale economic development, and Indonesian military repression, the oral traditions of West Papuans have come under pressure and changed form. Music driven by global influences and the growing commercialisation of indigenous music has severed West Papuans connections with their traditions and roots. Therefore there must be concrete and organised efforts to find forms of traditional Papuan music which can retain the values, colour and identity of each of the different indigenous groups from which the music is derived. Then music and songs will continue to be the substance that binds indigenous groups together, as well as enabling freedom of expression.

Back in the 70’s and 80’s West Papuan artists like Arnold Ap and Eddie Mofu understood this and formed the cultural music group Mambesak to revitalise traditional West Papuan dance, music and song. Mambesak provided a certain colour, form and inspiration for the birth of music and dance groups throughout Papua, actively promoting and strengthening West Papuan identity. However, Arnold Ap and Eddie Mofu’s popularity and the conscious pride in being Papuan Mambesak’s music engendered, brought them to the attention of the Indonesian military who accused them of being separatists. Finally they were murdered.

Protecting and revitalising song and dance is part of a movement based around indigenous culture that aims to enable West Papuans to be ‘masters’ of their own land. It is also a way to introduce the music and song of West Papua to the international community, to show that West Papuans, not unlike other ethnic groups around the world, also have their own distinctive music and song. We hope to raise consciousness, particularly among young WestPapuans, about their culture so as to encourage and inspire them to love and preserve this culture, as an integral part of their lives.

Black Paradise, Jayapura (November 2003)

Band members on this CD include: Ferry Marisan, Mika Awom, Max Binur, Isak Koibur, Samuel Agaki,
Silas Rumboirusi, Aeish Rumbekwan, Markus Mbait, Estepina Sekenyap, Theodora Pahun, and Fidensia Timbiri

Many of the members of Black Paradise work for the West Papuan human rights organization, Elsham
(The Institute For Human Right Studies and Advocacy), who investigate human rights violations in the troubled territory, accompany local communities as they assert their rights, and educate the rest of the world about the beauty of West Papuan culture. Profits from the sale of the c.d will go towards strengthening West Papuan culture and raising awareness of their plight.