While most 13-year-olds are blowing out candles at home, one young Papua New Guinean is stepping onto an international stage.

Nathaniel Aposol Kandakasi, a Year 7 student at Paradise College, celebrated his 13th birthday this weekend route to Germany, where he will represent PNG in the 2025 International Festival of Language and Culture (IFLC) Grand Final.

Nathaniel is one of two students selected nationwide, alongside Ristarlis Basse Heni of Ward Strip Primary, to fly the PNG flag at the global event that brings together talented young performers from across the world.

Born into a family of five children, Nathaniel is the second-born to parents from Laiagam in Enga Province and Koroba in Hela Province.

His love for music began early. According to his parents, they first noticed his talent when he was just four years old.

He would sing along to popular songs and mimic artists with surprising accuracy for his age. As he grew, so did his creative gifts, he also developed a unique style of drawing and caricature, a talent that continues to evolve alongside his music.

Since joining Paradise College in 2022, Nathaniel has thrived in an environment that encourages the arts.

From songwriting and choir practices to inter-school competitions, he has continued to polish his raw talent. His teachers and classmates often describe him as humble, focused, and driven.

His path to the IFLC stage began with school-level competitions before advancing to the national round.

Standing out for his distinct voice, discipline, and stage presence, Nathaniel earned his place among the top two young singers representing PNG at the festival in Germany.

“He’s worked incredibly hard to get here,” said his vocal coach and mentor, Mr. Arnel, who is travelling with Nathaniel to support him throughout the competition. “He’s got something special, not just a voice, but a deep passion for performance.”

In preparation for the event, Nathaniel has undergone vocal training, stage performance drills, and sessions on international etiquette. His family and school have played a central role in keeping him focused and grounded.

“We’re proud and emotional at the same time,” said his father. “For him to carry the flag of PNG on such a platform is something we never imagined, but always hoped for. He’s done this with heart and hard work.”

And Nathaniel’s journey doesn’t stop there. His talents in both writing and music have also secured him a spot at the prestigious Genius Olympiad in the United States next year, where he will represent PNG once again, this time on an academic and creative arts stage.

Despite the growing spotlight, Nathaniel remains modest. Through his growing fan base on social media, especially on Facebook and TikTok, he regularly shares performance videos and covers that have won hearts far beyond his school gates.

One of his most watched performances, a declamation of “The Orphan,” attracted 2.7 million views on Facebook earlier this year.

In addition to his IFLC participation, some highlights of Nathaniel’s journey so far include:

  • Gold Medalist – 2024 Speech Declamation, with viral performance of “The Orphan”
  • Filipino Cultural Day 2025 – Sang “In Case You Didn’t Know” by City Sivarai
  • Social Media Sensation – Gained strong following on Facebook and TikTok
  • Multi-award winner – Recognised in school music, speech, and art competitions

At just 13, Nathaniel has already become a powerful voice for young people across the country. His parents say they hope his journey inspires others in PNG to pursue their dreams, no matter where they come from.

“Our hope is that Nathaniel continues to grow, not just in talent, but in character,” his father added. “Whether he wins or not, this experience will shape him. And we know he will use his voice to inspire other young Papua New Guineans.”

Nathaniel’s story is one of potential, purpose, and quiet determination. As he prepares to perform in Germany and later compete in the U.S., he carries not only his music but also the spirit of a nation that believes in him.

The Kandakasi family invites the public to follow Nathaniel’s journey online, share messages of encouragement, and keep both Nathaniel and Ristarlis in their thoughts and prayers as they represent PNG on the world stage.