SOLOMON ISLANDS is known for its growing popularity in contemporary music as it embraces the digital revolution.
The days of mechanical and analogue electronic technology are slowly disappearing as digital electronics prevail.
A rookie artist who is adapting to these changes is Sebastian Perez Mauriasi also known as Sliz D Selecta.
Sliz, as he preferred to be known, has made his mark in the Solomon Islands music industry with a number of hit tracks.
He started chasing his dream to become a recording artist since 2008 and broke into the mainstream music scene with this debut music video “Missing Ya” in 2015.
Since then, Sliz of Temotu and Makira, continues to lure huge followers on social media platforms like Facebook and Youtube with his music videos and singles.
Speaking exclusively to Solomon Star, Sliz recalled his first performance on stage with fond memories.
“My music career started way back in 2012 when I first stepped up on stage to perform at the Pacific Arts Festival in Honiara.
“It was my first ever live performance after I was chosen through an audition.
“I performed cultural chants and it was my first ever taste of performing in front of a huge crowd.
“From then, performing in front of different people around the region has inspired me to continue with my passion for music.
“It was a dream came through because I used to watch on TV international artists perform live on stage and I told myself one day I will also do it,” he vividly recalled.
The young talented artist got his first experience of performing alongside an international band few years later when a US Caribbean band came to the islands.
“It was a reggae band from USA and Jamaica ‘Audio Pharmacy’ who gave me my first taste of performing alongside an international band during their tour to the islands few years ago.
“They asked me to perform alongside them on stage and I still kept with me gifts presented to me after the gig.
“I keep a beanie as my souvenir still hanging in my family home as a motivation factor,” he said.
He continued with his dreams and setup a home studio and had since linked up with other talented Solomon Islands music producer and artists.
He featured former 56 Hop Rod member Ruff (Mclean Noda) in collaboration with DJ Liams to produce the dance hit ‘Slo Wine’ last year.
The making of ‘Slo Wine’ became a reality after Sliz was brought under the umbrella of Reggae Haus a broadcasting and media production company in Honiara.
‘Slo Wine’ has reached 58,589 views on YouTube.
A fan in Canada, Amelia Muse commented on the video, “best song I played here in Regina beach bars and grill…..Love your songs Sebastian, love from Canada,” she said.
Recently, Reggae Haus announced an upcoming project feat Buad (Johnson Luiramo) another former member of 56 Hop Rod featuring Sleezy D Setectah entitled ‘Killer’ produced by Noise at Sound (DJ NAS) and Dee Beatz.
The music video is anticipated to be released in coming weeks.
Meanwhile, Sliz is currently working on his debut EP album titled ‘My Journey’ due for release later this year.
Besides his music career, Sliz works as a radio presenter at ZFM as part of his day job.
He is optimistic of touring after releasing his debut EP this year.
By SIMON ABANA
