Next of Kin as defined by Dictionary.com, is "a person's nearest relative or relatives." Well I like to define Next of Kin as, "the passion for events." What began with the love for music, grew to the love of entertainment, the exploration of event equipment and now to the passion for events: event management, planning, and production. But before I continue, let me introduce myself. For the purpose of this blog, I introduce myself as "The Next of Kin"...the nearest relative to the humble founders of this hive.
Pictured on the right was our very first sound system: a Sony CFD 646 3 Disc CD Changer Bookshelf Stereo Dual Cassette Recorder Player Mega Bass Stereo... and now I’ve run out of breath just describing the first sound system. But yes, that's were it all began. Before Next of Kin PNG came to be what it is today, it was just a group of about 12 cousins who played party hard music at five locations in Port Moresby, three days consecutive, week in, week out. No fancy sound systems, lighting, smoke machines, audiovisual and the lot, just a real good collection of 70s and 80s hits and sheer dedication and persistence. No magic tricks or professional training.
As years passed, technology evolved and from all those little gigs, we were able to grow our equipment inventory to include a set of Peavey SP2G speakers, some Martin Disco lights and an Isuzu Ute with a Coffee Tray that took us everywhere! And so we called ourselves Cousins DJ! And our slogan was "Anything Goes!" Because back then, we used what we had to deliver the best that we could; and man could we pull a crowd together and set the roof on fire!
Over the years, we collaborated with a vast collection of seasoned musicians in Port Moresby, from the likes of Juice & Jam with Anslom Nakikus and Martin Rawali (from Azzimbah Band) as their lead singers, Toniq Band with The Late George Kali and Bemu Kidu as their lead singers, Black Rendition with Shane Amean and Fred Taureka as their lead vocalists, to Port Moresby's most renown session band, Masterpiece!
We went from DJ services to hosting the biggest live concerts in Port Moresby, to providing all the equipment for Prince Charles of Wales Royal Visit to Papua New Guinea. We've had the absolute pleasure of working with some of Papua New Guinea's biggest artists, greatest bands, and international acts over the years. From the likes of O-Shen to the late Moses Moshanty Tau, international acts such as UB40, MLTR, Leo Sayer, Jimmy Barnes, Marcia Hines and Dami Im just to name a few. From 12 cousins, to now a good mix of 20 full-time staff and our two driving forces, we share our story with you on our very first blog (another milestone).
Our company has been complimented with an international ally. Singaporean partner Mr. Tan, owner of Audio Light Asia who has since, become a life long friend. From the early 90s, during our run as Cousins DJ, we came across Audio Light Asia as a highly professional and trust worthy supplier of Audio, Lighting and Visual Equipment. Through this partnership success, we have and are able to provide international guidance and technical support to our clients.
So from a bookshelf stereo, and a little yellow car to start off with, here we are today! With the biggest collection of event equipment in Papua New Guinea ranging from Sound & Light, to Audio Visual, Décor, Trussing Systems and Event Furniture, what once was a weekend hobby, has now become a full-time passion. It's come with it's fair share of roller coaster rides, sacrifices and gains but without passion, persistence and hard work, not to mention, the driving core behind the "brown ant army" that now serves as the staff of Next Of Kin PNG, this company would not be what it is today.
Till the next event...
- The Next of Kin -
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