The Solomon Islands music scene is set for a fresh wave of sound, with rising artist Izack Junior Lekelalu — known by his stage name Izack JL — pioneering the rare Folk, Pop Indie music.
While the style is far from the island reggae, contemporary gospel, and R&B tunes most Solomon Islanders are used to, Izack is determined to introduce his unique sound to local listeners.
His music genre covers Pop, Ballad, Indie and Folk. Born and raised in Honiara.
Speaking to the Solomon Star this week, the Makira (Santa Ana) and Choiseul Province (Panaroi, Sipokana village) artist said, he grew up in a close-knit, creative family where music was a constant presence.
“Every family gathering, music was part of the program — from evening devotions to celebrations. It’s part of who we are,” he said.
Izack spent part of his early childhood in Australia, attending Gepps Cross Primary School in Adelaide while his father pursued a Postgraduate Master Degree in Water Management.
It was there he first began performing, inspired by a Christian friend named Chris, who shared karaoke CDs with him.
”My friend Chris would give me his CD and it has a lot of karaoke tracks where I would sing at my own time.
”It was fun and I really enjoy singing and keep going on,” Izack said.
Returning to Honiara, Izack attended Goldie College between 2013 and 2015, where he began writing a single verse and perform live in one of the school Bazaar on Goldie School.
During that time he do not start writing his songs.
By the end of that period, he had penned around six tracks — mostly love songs — though he did not yet pursue music seriously due to academic commitments.
”During that period, I didn’t take music seriously. With many other commitments, especially education, my interest in music faded,” he explained.
“Most of the songs I wrote back then were about love,” he added.
After completing Form Six at King George National Secondary School, he studied at the University of the South Pacific (USP) before moving to the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) to take up Civil Engineering (Road Construction).
He now works with the production team at ZFM.
”During the my year at the King George Six School that’s when I started writing and composing my own songs.
”By that time I wrote almost six songs by myself,” Izack said.
His influences include Ed Sheeran, Eminem, J. Cole, Quinn XCII, Jeremy Zucker, Chelsea Cutler, Hozier, Noah Kahan.
In 2024, his musical journey took a new turn when young singer and producer Christopher Wa’aria — A.K.A. Jammin — discovered him and signed him to Unix Tunes, a label Jammin founded.
Since then, Izack has released several singles, including Work of Hearts, Running Back to You, Home, and Aura featuring fellow local artist – Dawn.
His latest release, ‘Mess’, is already attracting attention for its heartfelt lyrics, mellow guitar tones, and emotional delivery — qualities uncommon in the local music landscape.
Produced by Jammin, the track song blends between Pop/Indie rock/hiphop
“Mess draws from personal experiences and speaks to emotions of love, loss, and self-discovery,” Izack said.
“Pop Indie is about storytelling, emotions, and finding beauty in everyday struggles,’’ he said.
He added one of his released songs, ‘Work of the Hearts’, was written from a different perspective — someone else wrote the lyrics, and I brought the tune and delivery,” he said.
He added that most of his songs are rooted in storytelling, often drawn from his own personal experiences.
Izack admits one of his biggest challenges is building an authentic fan base in a market dominated by island styles.
“In the Solomon Islands, most people vibe with reggae or island music. Introducing this new genre is challenging, but I’m ready to break that barrier,” he said.
Industry observers say Izack’s bold step could encourage more young artists to explore genres outside the norm.
Music fans have praised ‘Mess’ for its originality and fresh energy.
“This is just the beginning,” Izack said. “I want to keep pushing boundaries and share our stories in a way the world hasn’t heard before.”
He encouraged other aspiring musicians to take the leap.
“The first step is the hardest. Once you overcome it, keep going, write, sing, record, reflect, and carry on. Consistency is where improvement happens.”
Mess is now available on major streaming platforms and local radio stations.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
