CC 2014 #13 Solomon Islands

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Bamboo grows in abundance all over the Solomon Islands and provides the perfect natural material for making musical instruments. Under the moonlight by the waterfront in the capital city of Honiara, bamboo drummer John Wesley, from the 13 piece Waurana Pan Pipe Ensemble, excitedly tells me about the different varieties of bamboo which grow on the islands. There is bamboo which is suitable for weaving baskets; that which is used for making mats; and a stronger cane which is suitable for making fences. Francis Nuaiasi, the public relations officer for the group interjects and shares his passion for his favourite type of bamboo, a special variety which the band use for making their own instruments. He tells me 'in Solomon Islands bamboo grows everywhere, but here we make music from it'.

As its right in the middle of rainy season, I go to the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation radio studios in Honiara to capture a truly mesmerising, hi-energy performance from the band. Bamboo never sounded sweeter! The ensemble makes full use of the natural resource which grows all around them to create a truly joyful, life-affirming sound. Their music consists largely of fast tempo numbers accompanied by an incredibly energetic form of dancing. The musicians swaying along in tight rhythm to their fast paced music is a sight to behold! The band are dressed in traditional costumes, with shells, bones and quite frankly not wearing much else; perfect for today's tropical temperature. Drummer John Wesley and his co-percussionists are beating the life out of some of the longer tubes of bamboo with a set of rubber flip flops to create a deep bass-like sound which contrasts with the high notes from the players on the frontline with their smaller bamboo flutes creating bird like noises making their instruments sing and almost take flight.

This form of music making is mostly heard during the feasting ceremonies and these instrumentals are inspired by wildlife (Wild Duck Song), religion (God Is Great) and nature and plant life. Lead bamboo player Ben Kaumanski tells me in his native Pidgin language that his composition 'Digging for Swamp Taro' is about an important starchy, staple food source and that no feast is complete without this important plant. He also tells me, before he bursts into the most infectious laughter, that he believes his group can make 'anybody dance' and indeed the band celebrate this fact in their composition Zuluzulu (Dancing Song). My toes were certainly tapping at this fascinating music session and I'm sure yours will be too when you enter the amazing sound world of the Waurana Pipe Ensemble.

Sushil

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