Just returned from fieldwork in Honiara and found that music is ever changing in the capital of Solomon Islands.
There are currently a wide range of artists, some more unique than others, and the music scene is expanding every month.
My initial thoughts are that the musicians in Solomon Islands are emulating too much what they hear from the outside world, but there are clear signs that this is changing as well. Artists like Sharzy, 2-4-1 Band and Toksi are finding an identity that, in my perspective, has been missing from the music scene. By using more traditional instruments like the bamboo flute and also ancient chants, these artists are creating a music that completely belongs to Solomons.
Will write more as I get to sit down and look over my notes, but the scene is a fascinating one, and my belief is that we will hear a lot more from it in the future.