Meet East Are’are Traditional and Contemporary Music Artist
BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
DRESSED in a more typical traditional outfit on the stage, panpipe musician, John Houkarawa’s (a.k.a Jayson Horiohahou) talent is a symbol of authentic tribal bamboo music that can only be found in the Solomon Islands.
For the past couple of decades, the traditional and contemporary music artist from the Highlands of East Are’ are in the remote region of Malaita province has been producing unique sounds with a gentle but more sophisticated approach that earns him one of the winners of the last year’s Wantok Musik Singing Competition 2022.
The region of Are’are is home to the country’s most popular solo traditional panpipers and groups who have not only made their names on the local stage but also achieve global stage success especially with the likes of Narasirato panpipers and others.
“My passion for traditional music started from my early days in primary school,” he told SOLOMON TOURISM. “I often love playing the following music genres: traditional, island, and reggae. I continued with my talent from then until now.”
Throughout John’s musical journey, he used to perform and record his songs with other local artists in the country. However, his hunger and ambition to expose his musical talent did not work out as expected.
“I previously did a few music recordings with my music friends especially to promote my style of music but it was not done at a proper recording studio; and also not in a way that I would like it done,” he told TOURISM MEDIA.
However, his musical journey that has kept him on the edge of his seat for years came to a climax in December last year, when he was announced the winner and best male vocalist for the Wantok Musik Singing Competition 2022 in Honiara.
The Wantok Musik Singing Competition 2022, which ran from 21 November to 9 December 2022 encouraged participants to include an element of the Solomon Islands culture in their audition or to perform an original or cover song using traditional instruments or language.
Similarly, this competition was also part of a wider cultural program that was held this year from 16-27 January 2023 where Solomon Islands, Indigenous Australian, and non-indigenous Australian musicians had come together in Honiara for cultural exchange, capacity building and strengthening people-to-people links.
This year’s event was also an opportunity for Houkarawa to be mentored by Australian music label Wantok Musik and also perform at this year’s public concert in Honiara alongside Australian music label Wantok Musik and internationally recognized Solomon Island and Indigenous Australian artists Charles Maimorosia, David Bridie, Tjupurru, Kaumaakonga, Natty D and Lorraine Henderson.
Traditional and contemporary music artist, Mr John Houkarawa performing live on stage at the Wantok Musik public concert at Pacific Crown Hotel in Honiara.
Previously speaking to the Australian High Commission (as one of the key funders of the Wantok Music Festival), Houkawara said that as an artist, he enjoys music, and wants to be part of the music.
“So I’m very excited to be part of this Festival. I want to showcase my talents as a musician. I focus on traditional and contemporary music and upgrading my traditional music. Thank you Australia for this opportunity to expose my music,” he told them.
