With raw passion and massive talent, Rekindle Riddim Band is shaking up Papua New Guinea’s music space, bringing a fresh sound that is heartfelt and undeniably local. Formed in June 2024, this six-man group from the Third city Mt. Hagen, draws deep inspiration from the Cool Range Band, a beloved PNG act that’s known for raising the bar in live performances and attracting international attention.
Inspired by their trail, Rekindle Riddim Band dreams of supporting local artists with their own brand of live music, delivering shows that feel both professional and real. Each member of Rekindle Riddim brings something special. The band is led by drummer and vocalist Reuben Nunguram (known as 2-Bad), with the talented hands of keyboardists Culzen Mendaki and Johannes Salwan (or Saltho).
Together with lead guitarist Elias Sikie (aka Mon Sikie Blaze), bassist Sylvester Aramu (Nedii Mahn), and lead vocalist Charlie Kove (Charkz Yan’oh), these musicians share a love for creating live sounds that speak to people’s souls. The group plays all kinds of music but leans into contemporary, bringing in flavors of reggae, jazz, blues, and afro beats while blending in PNG’s unique style. “We’re a contemporary band at heart, but we play a bit of everything,” says lead singer Charkz Yan’oh.
The variety in their music aims to reach all kinds of listeners, reflecting the band’s hope to build bridges through shared sounds. The band’s creative process is one of true teamwork, where.