Ancient Dusk, featuring Tarzzy Metta and Raymond Waloloki, made history with PNG’s first-ever Grammy submission for their single YHWH, blending Bola language and traditional sounds to share their culture internationally ahead of the country’s 50th Independence anniversary.
WHO could have thought that a village boy from Bola Village in Talasea, West New Britain Province, and a street kid from Section 21 in Kimbe town would one day form a contemporary music group now in the running for one of the world’s most prestigious music awards?
That can only be Tarzzy Metta and Raymond Waloloki and their group, Ancient Dusk, who have made history by submitting their hit single YHWH for Grammy Awards consideration — Papua New Guinea’s first-ever entry on the eve of the country’s 50th Independence anniversary.
The Grammy Awards are considered the world’s biggest stage, graced by the global elite of the music industry. To be submitted and considered is itself a rare feat, opening doors to industry insiders and giving PNG a presence on the international stage.
Ancient Dusk’s song has been entered in two categories — Gospel and Global Music.
Since its release in December 2024, YHWH has become a flagship of the Bola language andculture of the Talasea people, proudly carrying PNG identity to international audiences. It was also a finalist at the International Singer Songwriter Association Awards held in Atlanta, Georgia.
The Grammy submission was made possible by Canadian musician and producer Tim Steinruck, a Grammy voting member and frontman for the hard rock band The Mighty One. Steinruck, who co-wrote and produced the track, said the song was born from a dream that compelled him to record a melody in the early hours of the morning.
“YHWH is not just a song. It is an energetic transmission of the ineffable essence of the Creator that transcends time and space,and celebrates our collective human and spiritual experience with Him,” Steinruck said.
Typically, known for rock, Steinruck said he was inspired to try reggae for the first time and instinctively reached out to Ancient Dusk to add their island sound.
The group’s producer, Raymond Waloloki, incorporated the Bola language and traditional PNG instruments to give the track its unique identity. Tarzzy Metta said the song was deeply emotional for the band.
“On the eve of Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence anniversary, it is with utmost pleasure that we announce that our song YHWH has been submitted for Grammy consideration. This is a proud moment for our people and our music,” he said.
Steinruck clarified that the track has been submitted for consideration, with the first round of Grammy voting set to begin in November. The official nominations will be announced after this process.
For now, the submission alone has given PNG music international recognition. Ancient Dusk is also completing its much-anticipated EP, due in late 2025, ahead of global tours and festivals organised by their record label Big Records in Vancouver, Canada.
YHWH is now streaming on all major platforms.
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/5SJ7S3T5POPJ3hnAMqB927?si=hgQAFbu6RGquRuRbSER6vw
Watch On YouTube: https://youtu.be/WD-f2uIfApI?si=r47excU7WREzMZal