Charles Maimarosia is a unique and extraordinary Solomon Islands singer and musician, raised in the remote Pipisu village of Malaita. He is renowned for being a singer of important custom knowledge, drawing equally on traditional and contemporary musical styles.

Recent single Haiamasina, (English translation: ‘Loving’), is an expansive and strident love poem that illustrates 'Are’Are customs and traditions. The song was produced by Andrew Robinson, with Maimarosia’s bold vocals backed by the drumming of Bougainville legend Emmanuel Hakalitz, and backing vocals from Ambrym, Vanuatu artist Tio.

Charles elaborates on the meaning of Haiamasina: “Universal love is conscious and loving at the same time. It is also known as universal consciousness or cosmic consciousness. Universal love is a unification of all aspects of essence. When you experience universal love, you understand the action of love and nature”
Charles developed a profound interest in 'Are'Are music at a young age after inheriting his first hand made coconut shell ukulele from his father. He later began performing amongst the community, communicating ancient songs of his ancestors with hand-made pan pipes.

 

In a recent interview on ABC's Pacific Beat, Charles further explains this aspect of his artistic practice - "The stories and poems and things that I mentioned passed through oral, not written words but oral, one generation could pass that knowledge to another generation and these elderly people are the libraries." 

In 2000, along with like-minded boys of his village, Charles formed the globally-recognised energetic panpipe orchestra known as Narasirato, acting as their former front man, choreographer and songwriter, incorporating traditional 'Are’are music and spirited dances. 

Performing for the first time in Australia, Cook Town, lead Narasirato to national and international festivals in Japan and the Middle East. "My culture, My life" hit #1 on Asia/Pacific charts from debut album Naratana Hiona. In 2010 Charles relocated to Melbourne to focus on his solo career and has since toured with the legendary George Telek, released his debut solo EP 'Are’Are in 2016. In 2020 Charles released the single A’mamiuru to raise funds for the community in Solomon Islands after a ferry disaster caused by Tropical Cyclone Harold, and in 2022 released single Haiamasina alongside performances at WOMADelaide.

 

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