Story Archive
Snapshots
Video: Narasirato Pan Pipers
From Oterama Village in Malaita Island, Solomon Islands come Narasirato Pan Pipers. This unique group uses a variety of traditional instruments to create an unusual blend of Are’are music and contemporary influences.
Tamarin at Kasori Studio
From the island of Pentecost, Vanuatu, comes island reggae band Tamarin — who perform especially for us on the verandah of their studio, Kasori.
Richard Mogu: ‘Kini Male’
As we mentioned earlier, we were thrilled to see Richard Mogu performing at the Australasian World Music Expo on Saturday in Melbourne, Australia.
26 Roots – ‘West Papua’
2008 Pacific Break champs 26 Roots have spent the last year refining their roots reggae sound, and last night on stage played a fresh version of their competition-winning song ‘Broken Promises’. Sharper and with a more detailed bubbling texture to it (courtesy of keyboardists Celeste and Maseng), it’s a totally killer tune — even more so now. Excellent stuff.
A Shakura exclusive!
String band Shakura are renowned for their original and sometimes cheeky take on the genre, incorporating elements of pop music into their style. Here, they perform live to air on Radio Australia outside their rehearsal room in Anabrou, just prior to their appearance at Fest’nalenga.
Bie Studio: Emmanuel Mailau and band in rehearsal
In this video, we visit Emmanuel and keyboardist Kidley at Pango Village and invite them to share their impressions of the new line-up. Watch Emmanuel Mailau in rehearsal with the band that he’ll be taking to the stage for the very first time — and after only one full rehearsal — tonight!
Live: Nauten play ‘Saro and Dominic’
As promised, here’s a little something from local Vanuatu band Nauten, from the island of Tanna.
These guys put on the best display we’ve yet seen of the fiery spirit Tannese musicians are known for, sending the crowd into a frenzy of dancing and cheering – so much so that a particularly enthusiastic audience member finds his way up on stage during this encore performance of ‘Saro & Dominic’.
26 Roots’ debut in Port Vila!
When 26 Roots, of Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu, won Radio Australia’s 2008 Pacific Break competition, their prize was to travel to Port Vila to play on stage at Fest’Napuan. Here they are, a perhaps unsurprisingly popular hit, closing their set with ’26 Street’. Their opening notes inspired a bit of a rush toward the stage, perhaps because many from Santo came along to the festival to see them. They were most definitely responsible for a lot of swaying hips and shoulders!
A glimpse of Fest’Nalenga
Last night, we were lucky enough to see a handful of string bands playing at Fest’Nalenga. We hope you enjoy this snapshot of the Torotua String Band live on stage!
Recent Comments
By Rob - These boys are the best. I’ve hung out with them couple of times in Santo and they are great musician and cool boys. Tuff Tomas for sure. Good...
By Murray Green - Great to see Pacific Break in Vila. Best to BSQ as they bring their winning sound to Fes Nap. Clem thanks for allowing me to get a taste of...
By Brooke - awww,thank you for the updates!!what a blessed experience for all!!Thank you,Pacific Break & Vanuatu!!
By CHLOE - finally yous can up the prize on the CDs….congrats man…apiga would be so proud of you boys….imagine that….
By SistaPasifika - Congratz BSQ
@pacbreak on Twitter
- Hip hop takes Fest'Napuan! Listen to our one-hour radio special on BSQ, Fest'Napuan and pacific music: http://t.co/c3FlHwk3
- BSQ in Vanuatu - their winning journey to the stage of Fest'Napuan http://t.co/8tUEaz2R
- Some upbeat tunes for the Wednesday slump: III Kings live at Fest'Napuan: http://t.co/VSz8U8bZ
- Fijian musician (and Pacific Break entrant) Bigwilz has a new song out! Listen, download and share.... http://t.co/x3oydaYB
- Fiji government announces move to zero duty on musical instruments: http://t.co/YS9uXsGK ^ht @VOUfiji
