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.
In October 2024 Charles released the first single Hote’ Hote’ from his upcoming album of the same name due for release in early 2025.
Imagining the arduous voyages of ancient Oceanians, this song paints a vivid picture of migration and exploration.
It captures the resilience, courage, and ingenuity required to navigate the vast oceans. The use of stars as maps and sea birds as indicators of nearby land underscores the deep connection between people and nature.
Take a listen to some of Charles Maimarosia below:
Charles Maimarosia - Hote' Hote' Official Video
Charles Maimarosia - Haiamasina
Charles Maimarosia performs 'Merani Toro' for Fed Square Live
Hote’ Hote’ is a tribute to the spirit of adventure and the profound human quest for new horizons, reminding us of the strength and determination that drive us to seek out new opportunities and overcome challenges.
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 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.
He has performed in Taiwan, through Europe and North America in 2022 Charles received the MAV Diaspora Award at the Music Victoria Ceremony and in January 2023 performed in Honiara as part of the Australian High Commission / Wantok Musik Concerts.
In 2024 Charles performed at Cygnet Folk Festival, WOMAD and National Folk Festival.
Charles is releasing and touring his new album Hote’ Hote’ in 2025.
Supporting on the night is Pirritu.
Doors open at 7pm and tickets can be purchased below:
Charles Maimarosia Pirritu Tickets, George Lane, St Kilda | TryBooking Australia
See you there :)