Pacific reggae big names Naio and Native Stoneage are collaborating to host a reggae concert in the country next month.
Native Stoneage made their mark in the international music scene in the early 90s with a mixture of roots reggae and island blend.
Their lyrics, cantered around politics, poverty and religion, have touched many both near and far.
Naio, Vanuatu’s long standing reggae band shares similar inspiration through music as they put the tiny Pacific island nation on international music scene.
The band first released its debut album titled ‘Paradise’ in the early 90s followed by ‘New Day’, ‘My Home’ and ‘Unity.’
Their hit songs are ‘Dooms Day’, ‘All My Life’ and the recent award winning ‘Mother Earth’ a song composed about the impacts of climate change.
Naio are often thought to have a similar musical style to their contemporaries Native Stoneage. However their use of few traditional musical sounds from their renowned string band gives an authentic sound to their music.
Naio have toured Solomon Islands in the past and they are looking forward to return to the country next month.
Local promoter of the Naio-Native Stoneage joint concert Fred Taisara told Sunday Star that the two bands established a ‘sister relationship’ way back in 2008 and the upcoming concert is part of that relationship.
“The two great reggae bands have established sister relationship and would like to boost that relationship in the upcoming concert on September 30 to October 1 at the Art Gallery.
“That relationship was initiated way back in 2008 when both bands performed at Art Gallery and they are thinking of strengthening this relationship with the help of Peter Namak the Managing Director for Naio who is married to a relative of the Native Stoneage band members,” he said. The Stoneage band comprises of family members are from the Fataleka region in Malaita Province.
In the modern digital age, live bands are said to be a thing of the past but the two giant reggae bands are set to bring fans on their feet with live rhythms at their upcoming concert in Honiara.
By SIMON ABANA
