BUAD’s upcoming album, “The Keeper,” is set to elevate the Solomon Islands’ music industry to new heights on the global stage.
Two months ago in July, the music video for the song “Looking for Love” was shot in Noro and Gizo in Western Province, marking the announcement of Buad’s new album “Keeper.”
In an interview with Solomon Star during the tour, Johnson D Amani Luiramo, known as Buad from the 56 Hop Rod Band, who is of mixed East Fataleka and Motlock Island (Papua New Guinea) parentage, shared insights about the new project.
Buad explained that the purpose of the tour was to shoot the video for “Looking For Love,” which features one of the country’s major artists, Sio (George Kuper Jnr Faisal) from the Original Onetox and Flameboy International, as well as upcoming artist Fyah Mani – Ramoi Jobeth Mani.
The video is directed by Scar Reeze and the Reggae House.
“The video will announce my new album ‘Keeper’ and it’s clear that Western Province, known for its vibrant tourism sector, offers the perfect backdrop for the creative and innovative scenes in my new song ‘Looking For Love’,” Buad said.
He emphasized that the video will not only promote the album but also boost the country’s tourism industry.
The song “Looking for Love” scenes focus on the beauty of rich culture and love for the islands in the happy isles representing Solomon Islands.
“Moreover, this first song is a kind of mixture of love songs and as well relate to the struggles many face when battling inner turmoil and seeking relief.
“It captures the raw emotions of feeling overwhelmed, searching for comfort, and navigating through difficult times.
“It’s a poignant reminder of the battle between hope and despair. Inspired by those who have lost their lives during the struggle.
The ‘Looking for Love’ song will be the first song of ‘The Keeper’ album and it will be more like a sequential single release strategy.
“The concept of the song and the whole ‘Keeper’ album has a deep meaning. It’s all about love, the islands, the culture, and the essence of our changing society.
“As our culture fades, we lose our sense of love and identity. This song reminds us that love is found within ourselves, our islands, and the land we live on,” he added.
The album, features 10 songs, delves into the deep cultural traditions and heritage of the Solomon Islands, blending reggae fusion with collaborations from top artists like Sio and upcoming artist from Flameboy International Fyah Mani.
Discussing his personal experience and cultural heritage in his music influence, Buad expressed concern about the fading culture in Malaita Province and other provinces across the country.
He said young people today lack respect for their elders, parents, women and cultural traditions.
“Using music as a platform, I aim to share my creativity and promote the importance of preserving our culture and way of life through my music in my own genres. If we fail to uphold our culture, our next generation will be lost,” he added.
He further added that music is a big platform and so he might as well put a strong positive message that will have a positive impact on the communities.
“Especially for our ghetto brothers that have lack of proper education, most of them have learned from music. If you listen to many of our big artists like Bob Marley and others, you get educated. Music is also an education.
Buad emphasized the importance of understanding one’s roots and cultural traditions.
“My roots run deep, and I’m a proud 30th generation from Fataleka in Malaita province.
“I want to share my music with my fans and youths, reminding them of the importance of keeping our cultures, identity and traditions alive and loving ourselves with all respect and having a noble character. It’s all about positive vibes” he said.
“The album is a tribute to the keepers of culture and identity, which is none but our old people, our forefathers and grandfathers and so on.
“Our forefathers, our ancestors hold the rich knowledge that defines the Solomon Islands. They pass it down to future generations, and if we don’t preserve it, we lose a vital part of our heritage,” Buad explained.
“I want to salute all our old people, our forefathers, our keepers. They have the deep knowledge of our cultures that you cannot find at the Oxford University or whatever universities and schools. They are made in Solomon Islands.
“If we don’t preserve our cultural traditions with respect, then our next generations will be a failed project,” he added.
Buad’s music genre includes reggae music with a fusion of hip hop, rock, and dancehall.
He also signed under a label with Royalty Music Group (RMG) Pacific in New Zealand.
Many local artists in the Solomon Islands also have signed under the RMG.
Royalty Music Group (RMG) is an independent music label based in New Zealand. They focus on discovering and promoting local talent, particularly in the genres of hip-hop, R&B, and urban music.
Sio, from the Onetox when reflecting on the significance of the tour, stated that it’s about dropping content and building hype to attract followers and gain financial security.
“Our networking with the Royal Music Group (RMG) in New Zealand will help us reach the international mainstream.
“We aim to release our products timely and promote them effectively to secure more streams and income,” Sio said.
He added that the Western Province tour was essential for shooting the video clip “Searching For Love,” in which myself and Fyah were featured. We have to accompany Buad because we all are experimenting and working on a new breaking that would be beneficial for ourselves and other artists in the music industry of our country.
“This product will resonate worldwide and serve as a catalyst for future songs.
Standardizing our music’s quality and mastering will ensure it reaches its full potential,” Sio added.
The Buad’s recent tour to Western Province includes Sio, Fyah Mani, Scar Reeze, Dj Naz and KK.
The upcoming release of “The Keeper” album promises to be a landmark moment for the Solomon Islands’ music industry, showcasing the nation’s cultural richness and creative talents on the global stage.
The new music video ‘Searching For Love’ will be released tonight (Tuesday) and also premiered on Youtube and will be available on other music platforms on social media and on Spotify as well.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
