Getting to know Charles Maimarosia
Solomon Islander musician Charles Maimarosia has shared his new single Hote’ Hote’. We asked him to tell us about himself:
I am… an artist, a storyteller, and a bridge between my people’s traditions and the world. I carry the spirit of the Are’ Are people in my music and everything I do. I’m deeply connected to my roots and passionate about sharing my culture through music. I’m someone who values family, unity, and respect. I believe in staying true to who I am and honouring those who came before me. I’ve always been a traveller at heart, curious and inspired by different places and people, but home—the Happy Isle—will always be my compass. I worry about the effects of climate on my land and people and hope through my music and stories the message of preservation connects people to make a difference to positive change.
2024 has so far been… a journey of growth and reflection. I’ve poured so much of myself into my music, and it’s been a year of connecting more deeply with my roots and finding new ways to share our stories. My culture is deeply woven into my songwriting. Every song is a way of preserving and passing down our Are’ Are’ stories, values, and the wisdom of our ancestors. I draw from traditional songs, dances, and stories, creating a bridge between the past and the present. The ocean, voyaging, and our rich oral histories shape my lyrics and rhythms, while our traditional instruments bring that cultural essence to life. For example, my song Hote’ Hote’ speaks to the spirit of voyaging and the emotions tied to it, which I learnt from my forefathers.
My upcoming singles and Hote’ Hote’ album release and tours will be… a celebration of voyaging, resilience, and unity. The single, Hote’ Hote’, captures the emotions of crossing oceans, both literally and figuratively, while the tour will be a chance to bring my culture to new places and connect with people who feel that same pull to the sea and their heritage.
Home is… the ‘Happy Isle’—the Solomon Islands. It’s where the ocean, the songs, and the stories are always calling me back, no matter where I go.
I spend too much time… fine-tuning my music, always seeking that perfect sound to reflect the soul of my culture. But I know it’s worth it if I can help people understand what it means to be Are’ Are’ and to connect people back to their own diverse cultural backgrounds.
I never… forget the people who’ve helped me on this musical journey—family, friends, and every institution that’s supported me in one way or another. You’re all in my heart, and I’ll love you till my last day because, without you, I wouldn’t be where I am now! I never say no to opportunities. My answer is always yes, because I know it’s an opportunity to share our culture and our stories. And I never say no to those who’ve used my music as a bridge to cross into new experiences and possibilities. I perform with everything I have, no matter the stage or the audience, because that’s what my journey is all about. And I thank God and the universe and the spirits of nature for these opportunities.
CHARLES MAIMAROSIA – UPCOMING SHOWS:
SAT 15 FEB | GEORGE LANE, ST KILDA VIC with special guest Pirritu
Tickets available from https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1301782
FRI 21 FEB | WAUCHOPE ARTS HALL, WAUCHOPE NSW
Tickets available from in January 2025 from: https://wauchopearts.org.au/
SAT 22 FEB | RED RATTLER, MARRICKVILLE NSW with special guest Zippy Anu
Tickets available from https://events.humanitix.com/charles-maimarosia-hote-hote-album-launch-with-special-guests
SUN 23 FEB | SMITH’S ALTERNATIVE, CANBERRA ACT with special guests Dean Abbott Band
Tickets available from https://www.smithsalternative.com/events/charles-maimarosia-88669
