Navigating the Intersection of AI and Pacific Musical Heritage
Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the landscape of music production around the world. For Pacific Island artists, this innovation brings both opportunity and caution. According to PMN News, musicians such as Niuean producer Glen Jackson are urging creators to slow down and consider the implications of using AI, especially with regard to the preservation of language, culture, and identity.
The Allure and Risks of AI in Music Creation
When AI first entered studios, it was heralded as a means to streamline production—enabling faster song creation and flawless vocals. As reported by PMN News, Jackson observed that many Pacific artists were initially captivated by the efficiency AI offered. However, he now emphasises the need for restraint, as the technology can inadvertently compromise the authenticity and richness of Pacific musical traditions.
Language and Identity at Stake
The article notes that AI-generated Pacific songs are increasingly being shared online, sometimes with little attention paid to linguistic accuracy. Jackson has encountered tracks in Niuean and Sāmoan where words are mispronounced or fragmented, yet they are still presented as genuine. He warns that if creators do not carefully guide AI, there is a risk of disseminating incorrect versions of Pacific languages, potentially misleading diaspora communities and future generations (PMN News).
The "Soul" of Pacific Sounds
According to Musicians warn AI could strip the soul from island sounds, Jackson and fellow artists highlight that while AI can replicate musical patterns, it often lacks the "soul" essential to Sāmoan and Niuean music. Machine-generated vocals may sound technically perfect but frequently fail to convey the emotional depth and cultural nuances that define Pacific music. As Jackson explains, creators have a responsibility to "shape and mould" AI outputs to preserve the integrity and expressiveness of traditional sounds (PMN News).
Industry-Wide Concerns Over AI's Impact
This apprehension extends beyond individual musicians. According to the article, an APRA AMCOS report found that 82% of music creators fear they may lose their livelihoods due to AI advancements, while 89% of Indigenous creators believe there will be a rise in cultural appropriation. Further, a 2025 UNESCO Global Report on Cultural Policies projects that the market for AI-generated audiovisual content could increase from €6 billion in 2023 to €48 billion by 2028. This growth places an estimated 23% of music creator revenue in the Trans-Tasman region at risk (PMN News).
Algorithmic Homogenisation and Cultural Stereotypes
According to Musicians warn AI could strip the soul from island sounds, The UNESCO Independent Expert Group has identified "algorithmic homogenisation" as a significant threat. This phenomenon occurs when AI systems, trained on unbalanced datasets, produce outputs that reinforce stereotypes and foster cultural monocultures. For Pacific communities, the risk is that unique musical languages and styles could be diluted or misrepresented by generic AI-generated content (PMN News).
Regional Responses and the Need for Strategy
According to Musicians warn AI could strip the soul from island sounds, While some Pacific nations like Fiji and Papua New Guinea are progressing towards AI policy development, no Island country has published a comprehensive strategy yet. Jackson points out the heightened risk of "accidental learning" among Pacific children in the diaspora, who may absorb flawed language patterns from AI-generated music when fluent speakers are not present at home (PMN News).
A Call for Responsible and Authentic AI Adoption
According to Musicians warn AI could strip the soul from island sounds, Musicians such as Umu Bourne, speaking to the Sāmoa Observer, echo these concerns. Bourne notes that AI-generated music can disconnect listeners from their cultural roots if words are rendered "awkward, flat, or mispronounced." When AI simplifies language to basic sounds or patterns, it risks erasing the historical and emotional layers that constitute a living heritage (PMN News).
According to Musicians warn AI could strip the soul from island sounds, For Pacific creators, the consensus is that AI should be treated as a supportive tool rather than a replacement for human artistry and cultural stewardship. Jackson maintains the importance of retaining his own vocals in new works to ensure authenticity, suggesting that while he welcomes technological advancements, the moral responsibility to protect cultural integrity remains paramount.
Looking Forward: Opportunities for Pacific Creators
Artificial intelligence offers Pacific artists a powerful means to innovate and reach wider audiences. However, according to PMN News, the future of Pacific music depends on finding a balance—leveraging technology without sacrificing the "soul" of traditional sounds or the accuracy of indigenous languages. As the region develops frameworks and strategies for AI integration, careful stewardship will help ensure that Pacific identity and heritage are preserved for generations to come.