Popular Solomon Islands artists Cottsii and Chelsie have returned home after a successful five-day tour in Australia, where they performed at the Brisbane Big Village Festival early this month alongside Pacific artists from across the region.
The tour marked a major milestone for Chelsea, who described the experience as her first international performance and a significant personal achievement.
“This tour means a lot to me,” Chelsie said.
“It was my first time performing outside Solomon Islands, and sharing the stage with Pacific artists in Brisbane was a great learning experience. I am grateful for the support and exposure,” she added.
Chelsie, who hails from Isabel and Malaita provinces, said the experience in Brisbane was very different from performing back home, particularly the level of interaction with fans.
“The atmosphere was totally different. Fans came up to introduce themselves and shared how much they loved my music,” she said. “Even new fans were able to meet us, and that was really special.”
For Cottsii, whose real name is George Scott and who hails from Choiseul Province and Ranongga in Western Province, the Brisbane tour marked his second major international performance.
He previously toured Papua New Guinea during the Makasi Tour before returning to Australia.
“This was my second time touring internationally, after PNG and now Brisbane,” Cottsii said. “It’s a huge achievement for me and motivates me to keep producing more music for my fans.”
He described the Brisbane Big Village Festival as a major event, praising the strong energy and support from the crowd.
“It’s always good to represent Solomon Islands music overseas,” he said.
Cottsii also highlighted the opportunity to connect with other well-known Pacific artists, including Jah Boy, Jarol Lokol, Onetox, Stanley T, Wame Blood, Tarvin Toure, and other Melanesian and Polynesian performers.
Both artists noted that fan engagement in Australia was noticeably different from that in Solomon Islands.
“The fans in Brisbane are very open and expressive,” Cottsii said. “They engage differently compared to back home, but the love for Pacific music is strong.”
Chelsie added that meeting Solomon Islanders and Pacific communities living in Australia made the tour even more memorable.
“Seeing our people in the crowd and connecting with them through music is something I will always remember,” she said.
“Back home, fans are sometimes shy to approach us, but music brings everyone together.”
Following their return, Cottsii and Chelsie are now preparing for their next major performance at the Gizo Hotel Bamboo Bar Club, where they will headline the New Year countdown celebrations this Wednesday.
Organisers say the New Year’s event will feature live performances, entertainment, and a festive atmosphere as Gizo welcomes the new year.
Both artists have encouraged fans in Western Province to come out in large numbers to support local music.
“We’re excited to bring the energy from Australia back home,” Cottsii said. “Gizo, let’s welcome the New Year together.”
Chelsie echoed the excitement, saying the show will be a chance to celebrate growth, music, and unity with fans at home.
The artists also acknowledged and thanked Royalty Music Group (RMG) Director Ronald Kenneth Baker for his continued support, noting that they are currently signed under the RMG label.
They also expressed gratitude to renowned music producer Baka Solomon for nurturing their talent and producing their music.
“Without Baka Solomon, we wouldn’t have had the connection to RMG,” both artists said. “We are very thankful to be part of this journey and growth.”
Cottsii also extended special thanks to Terence Rini for assisting with travel arrangements during his PNG tour.
The Gizo Hotel New Year countdown is expected to attract a large crowd as the province prepares to usher in the new year with music and celebration.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
