POPULAR Solomon Islands boy-band DMP on Thursday left the country on a two week tour of Australia.
The five-man band, whose songs were played in almost all radio airwaves throughout the Pacific, will be visiting five towns and cities during the two weeks, which will be fully scheduled with various gigs, concerts and also recording sessions.
The group will make stops at Cairns, Mackay, Townsville, Brisbane and Sydney.
Speaking before the group’s departure, DMP manager Leonard Alufurai said that this was the group’s first major tour outside of the Pacific region.
“We have been used to touring other Pacific Island countries; however this time round is a major break not only for the group but for Solomon Islands music as we were invited to tour Australia,” Mr Alufurai said.
“It will indeed be a great experience for the boys and a much greater opportunity for us to promote Solomon Islands music and artists in Australia,” he said.
Mr Alufurai said that the tour should have been made last year; however difficulties in visa prevented the group from fulfilling it.
He however, added that this time round, with the visas all set, the group just grasped the opportunity with both hands; given the long term benefits not only the group will receive but also other local artists.
Asked what to expect from the Australian fans, lead vocalist Arak said that they look forward to making and meeting fans in Australia.
“With the invitation received, it just clearly shows that our music has reached these places, therefore we look forward to putting on great shows in every state we visit.
“Not only that but we will also be good ambassadors of Solomon music and also the nation as a whole,” Arak said.
Mr Alufurai also revealed that the group has recently completed its third album and will soon hit the markets sometime this year.
He also added other major tours are in line for the year.
“We have received invites from places such as PNG, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Federated States of Micronesia and to our amazement we have received invites from Brazil and the United States.
“Therefore we will work toward making these plans a reality as we go through the year,” Mr Alufurai said.
By JEREMY INIFIRI
