Charles Maimarosia, a musician and singer-songwriter from the Solomon Islands, is a distinguished figure in the field of music and cultural preservation. Nurtured amidst the secluded environs of the remote Pipisu village in Malaita, his upbringing stimulated his artistic sensibilities, grounded in the rich indigenous customs and heritage of the Pacific Islands.
Distinguished for his adeptness in conveying profound cultural insights through musical expression, Maimarosia is a luminary figure, who weaves together the ancestral wisdom of his forebears with contemporary musical motifs using his voice as well as his voice, acoustic guitar, ukulele and Are’Are’ pan flutes.
The song “Haiamasina,” a poignant ode to love in the ‘Are’Are dialect, serves as a key creation in his repertoire. Produced by Andrew Robinson, the single presents Maimarosia’s resolute vocals, complemented by the percussive mastery of Bougainville luminary Emmanuel Hakalitz, the ethereal harmonies of Vanuatu’s Tio, and a symphonic ensemble featuring Paul Cartwright, Rosie Excess, and David Bridie.
In elucidating the thematic essence of “Haiamasina,” Maimarosia delves into the transcendent concept of universal love, positing it as an amalgamation of consciousness and affection that transcends temporal and spatial boundaries. Rooted in the ethos of ‘Are’Are cosmology, universal love embodies a holistic fusion of existential facets, engendering a profound attunement to the innate harmonies of existence.
Maimarosia’s artistic journey burgeoned from a tender age, catalyzed by the bequest of a handcrafted coconut shell ukulele from his father. Evolving from humble beginnings, he embarked on a trajectory of communal engagement, regaling audiences with the evocative melodies of his heritage, punctuated by the beautiful tones of handcrafted panpipes.
In 2000, Maimarosia, along with similarly inclined boys of his village, etched an indelible mark with the establishment of Narasirato, a dynamic panpipe orchestra that garnered international acclaim for its vivacious renditions of traditional ‘Are’Are compositions. Their inaugural foray onto the global stage, marked by a seminal performance in Cook Town, Australia, catalyzed a series of triumphant appearances at prestigious festivals across Japan and the Middle East.
After that, Maimarosia embarked on a solo venture, relocating to Melbourne (Australia) in 2010 to develop his craft and expand his artistic horizons. Collaborations with influential artists such as George Telek underscored his versatility, while the release of his debut solo EP, Are’ Are’, in 2016, affirmed his stature as a preeminent custodian of Solomon Islands’ cultural legacy.
In a testament to his unwavering commitment to community welfare, Maimarosia released the single “A’mamiuru” in 2020, rallying support for the Solomon Islands’ populace in the aftermath of a calamitous ferry disaster precipitated by Tropical Cyclone Harold. Through his musical vocation, Maimarosia continues to transcend artistic boundaries, championing the ethos of cultural preservation and communal solidarity.
Discography:
Are’Are’ (Wantok Music, 2016)
Haiamasina, single (Wantok Music, 2022)
Author: Douglas Sanders
