Sifoa

A prominent custodian of traditional Solomon Islands culture, Natty Dolaiasi hails from the Adegege people of Lau, on the island of Malaita. His personal mission is to maintain the ancient chants, stories, poems and rhythms of his ancestors, while also making them relevant to a wider world. Dolaiasi has represented the Solomon Islands internationally for many years; back in 1995 he was involved with the groundbreaking project Siva Pacifica, and he has appeared at the Pacific Arts Festival, WOMADelaide, the Melanesian Arts Festival and the 2023 Pacific Games ceremonies. On his debut album, the title-track (which translates as ‘Journey’) chronicles the ancestral seafaring migrations of his forefathers across large stretches of open ocean, creating the island archipelago later known as the Solomons. The majestic ‘Roi Roa’ also pays tribute to the contributions of departed elders, and the beautiful ‘Kiko’ tells the story of a persevering farmer who tirelessly tends his fields, awaiting the fruits of his labour. There is minimalist instrumental backing, but it’s Dolaiasi’s own expressive voice that perfectly centres this lovely album.