Wa’uraha Panpipers Bring Are’Are Culture to Tourism Growth in Solomon Islands
BY KREINER TUKALI
Wa’uraha Panpipers Cultural Group in West Are’Are, Malaita Province has been sharing traditional music since 2012. It was formed by John Ta’amora from Marawa village. Young boys from nearby villages also joined the group to keep their culture alive. The group is known for panpipe music, cultural shows, and welcoming VIP guests.
They have performed in Honiara events and overseas stages. The group represented Solomon Islands at Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Leader’s Summit in New Caledonia in 2013, the Melanesian Arts and Culture Festival (MACFEST) in Vanuatu in 2023, and the Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FESTPAC) in Hawaii in 2024.
Recently, the group received support from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Young Entrepreneurs Council Solomon Islands grant initiative.
“Our decision to apply for the tourism grant was inspired by recognition from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and YECSI,” said John Ta’amora. “Cultural groups like ours often struggle to be recognized as proper business organizations despite our important role in tourism,” he said.
The funding will help record their first Extended Play (EP) music project with a local producer. It will promote Are’Are panpipe music and create income through digital sales. The group earns money from live shows at airports, cruise ship arrivals, weddings, graduations, and official ceremonies in Honiara.
They also plan to produce music videos showing waterfalls, oceans, dances, and village life to attract tourists to Solomon Islands.
A major challenge is relying only on cultural performances for income. They hope to grow into a strong music brand and preserve Are’Are traditions for future generations. The support from MCT and Young Entrepreneurs Council Solomon Islands (YECSI) shows that culture can be a real business that creates jobs and supports young people.
The group wants to promote Solomon Islands tourism through panpipe music and cultural performances that visitors will remember. They believe their music will strengthen the connection between culture, tourism, and economic development in Solomon Islands.
“We thank the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and YECSI for believing in our culture and helping us move forward,” said the group.
The Wa’uraha Panpipers Cultural Group believes their future depends on combining tradition with modern opportunities in music and tourism. They want to use online platforms to reach wider audiences and share Are’Are panpipe culture with the world. This will help young people in West Are’Are see music as a real job opportunity while protecting cultural heritage. The group also hopes to continue working with government and tourism partners across Solomon Islands. They see their music as a bridge between culture and economic growth. With support from partners they hope to expand performances and create sustainable income for members. The group remains proud of its roots in Marawa village and committed to sharing Are’Are music for future generations while supporting tourism in Solomon Islands always forward.
