Solo Island Music: The Rise of Helison Aubongi a.k.a ‘Henzii Bwoy’’
BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
YOU may not know Helison Aubongi, but chances are you’ve heard his catchy and danceable beat music.
Known locally as ‘Henzii Bwoy’’, the Solomon Islander is behind the last year’s debut released hit single – ‘Cheat Lover’ that took Honiara’s music lovers by storm.
Helison’s path into music had a few bumps along the way, but the journey has been well worth it for the 29-year-old singer and songwriter from Fulo village in the West Kwaio region of Malaita province.
Now that his passion revolves around music, Helison recalls growing up in a ‘musical family’. His dad was a passionate musician.
“My dad is a musician as well. He plays live instruments for our church back at home so for me I think and believe this is where I got my talent and aspiration in music.
“Music has become part of my life. I sing whenever I go when I walk and even stay home, like I said it’s been part of me since I was a child.
“For me, I also participated in organized church choir singing activities and social singing activities. This is what shaped me into where I am now today.
“To be a musician in the country’s local music scene is a dream come true,’’ he told Tourism Media.
Helison began to experiment with guitar in his mid-teens. He experimented with writing music after listening to inspired songs produced by Door Man’s Project (DMP) and Gramps Morgan.
Being a form six leaver of Honiara Senior High School, composing songs and giving them a melody isn’t a problem says Helison.
“It’s quite easy for me to compose songs with rhythms. I think it is my education that helps a lot in this area.
“Most of my songs come from my friends, they told me their stories and I then turn them into songs. I used to sing about social issues between couples, marriage life, seasonal workers, students, and teachers, extra-marital affairs, love songs, broken homes, and others,’’ he said.
Helison recorded his last year’s debut released hit single – ‘Cheat Lover’, Baka Solomon studios in Honiara.
“I want to thank my fans throughout the country and more especially my music producer from Baka Solomon studios for his trust vested in me to do my recordings,’’ he said.
