Kronos experienced a breakout moment securing two major nominations for the 2025 YUMIFM PNG Musik Awards (YFMPNGMA), earning spots in the Male Artist of the Year and Song of the Year categories with his viral hit “Daddy Raus.”
First released on July 19, 2025, “Daddy Raus” quickly became one of PNG’s most talked-about songs, driven by its energetic party vibe, catchy lyrics and signature PNG contemporary and islands fusion sound.
The nominations were officially announced on April 27, further cementing the song’s rise as one of the country’s standout local hits of the year.
Speaking with Kasty and the YUMIFM team at his residence in Gerehu Stage Three, Kronos admitted the recognition caught him by surprise.
“Honest, mi surprise!” (“Honest I was surprised!”)
The artist went on to thank fans who continuously requested the song on radio and voted throughout the awards campaign.
“Thank you, guys, thank you for the votes. Thank you so much for requesting my song Daddy Raus. Thank you for the votes and big thanks to Yumi FM and all the sponsors.”
Kronos also proudly represented his Gerehu Resident while reflecting on how the G'hood is home for making good music.
“Thank you for coming here at Gerehu Stage 3. Ino gutpela hap but lo hia gutpela musik save kamap so wanpla luv lo ol yu de wan.” (“I know its not a good place but here is where we make great music so love to you all!”)
Beyond the viral success and party anthem reputation, Kronos revealed that the real story behind “Daddy Raus” was far different from what many listeners originally believed.
According to the artist, the song was inspired by children he had met while working for a construction company in Ungai-Bena District, where he helped build a bridge.
“So, when I was working at Ungai Bena in Goroka at a construction company to build a bridge, the kids up there used to call the big trucks with mega wheels ‘Daddy Raus’ every time the truck accelerated,” he explained.
Kronos shared that he often helped transport the children to and from school while traveling to work each day.
“From there, I used to drop them off at school when I’m heading to work, and while heading back from work I pick them up and drop them off at their house.”
He explained that the track’s now-famous line came from a conversation with one of the children during one of those drives home.
“One day I was driving one of the kids home and he told me, ‘Olgeta taim daddy save go aut mummy save belhat na kilim mi.’” (‘All the time when daddy goes out, mummy used to get really mad and punish me really badly.’)
“From there I picked up the song’s famous line, ‘So daddy raus na mummy tu laik rough.’”
Despite many listeners interpreting the song as an adult-themed party track, Kronos said the record was always meant for the children who inspired it.
What started as village kid nicknames has now evolved into one of PNG’s biggest songs of the year.
Behind the viral chorus stood a story rooted in community and life in the rural Eastern Highlands.
Moreover, this year also marks an important and big year for YUMIFM as this year’s Musik Awards celebrates its twentieth year.
