THE group of talented Papua New Guinea (PNG) artists, who participated in the Aelan Riddim Music Festival last Saturday night, departed to Port Moresby on Monday, carrying with them fond memories after an exciting music festival.
Artists Kali D, Mereani Masani, Saii Kay, Jarahn, Tau Likoniau Po’o Jr (J-Liko), and the Makasi Band — featuring Grainger Runialo, Wesley Midian, Joseph Loksi, Noah Kana Jr, and Julian Semoso — delivered electrifying performances at the inaugural Aelan Riddim Music Festival (ARMF), held at the Pacific Crown Hotel last Saturday night.
The festival’s only female performer, Mereani Masani, took to Facebook to express her gratitude:
“Thank you for the love, Honiara, me lavim yu tumas (I love you so much)! See you next time,” she wrote.
In a heartfelt gesture, her mother, who is from Fiji, donated $1,000 during the event’s draw on Saturday, as a token of appreciation for Mereani’s first performance in Solomon Islands.
Mereani lit up the stage with some of her hit songs, including Kumul Susa, Bossman, Danis and Mangi Island. Born on 22 July 1988 in Mount Hagen, PNG, to a Papua New Guinean father, she proudly described herself as a “chip off the old block,” inheriting musical talent that runs deep in her family.
She is the granddaughter of the late Apakuki Mate, a renowned Fijian guitarist.
Influenced by legends such as Alicia Keys, Michael Jackson, Amy Winehouse and Beyoncé, Mereani continues to make her mark both as a full-time musician and as an advocate working alongside NGOs and UNICEF to combat violence against women and children.
J-Liko, who shares roots in To’obaita, Malaita Province and PNG’s Gulf Province, wowed the crowd with his tracks Rainy Lae and Asi Ovai.
Saii Kay delivered a blend of his popular English and Tolai-language songs from East New Britain, expressing his gratitude to the crowd for their enthusiastic support.
Kali D thrilled fans with his hit ‘Ride My Lane’, performed in collaboration with Solomon Islands artist Chris Young.
Jarahn also gained attention for his performances in Tolai, showcasing his rising popularity.
The PNG artists shared the stage with a star-studded lineup of legendary and trending Solomon Islands musicians, including DJ Tanz, Cottsi, Jammin, Rosie Delmah, Ghemu, Ramo, Kool Roots, Kekene, Wally Pazzi, Small Axe, Max Lulu, JAG, Solid T, Solkisz, Lite Life and Onetox.
All in all, the PNG contingent embraced the “Hapi Isles” spirit, overwhelmed by the warmth and hospitality of the people of Honiara.
ARMF Event Director Terence Rini hinted that next year’s festival could be hosted in another Melanesian country — possibly Vanuatu, PNG, or Fiji.
The event was made possible by generous support from sponsors including Our Telekom, Tourism Solomons, PNG Coke Studio (Coca-Cola), Pacific Crown Hotel, and Air Niugini.
By EDDIE OSIFELO
Solomon Star, Honiara
