Bibirosi

Bougainville is an autonomous island region of eastern Papua New Guinea, but geographically, historically and culturally, it’s closely connected to the nearby Solomon Islands. During its German colonial administration, Bougainville was actually known as the North Solomons. It’s therefore no surprise that the music of Bougainville is also strongly related to that of the Solomon Islands. For those who have discovered the panpipe joys of Narasirato in recent years, this release, which features the singing of the late William Takaku and the people of his home village of Pidia, is another welcome find. An important cultural figure, who in addition to his musical skills was also a gifted actor, theatre director, playwright and environmentalist, Takaku even starred alongside Pierce Brosnan as Man Friday in the 1997 film Robinson Crusoe. His four songs here, recorded in Port Moresby between 2009 and 2010 are lively, reflective and trance-like, with layered group vocals and breathy kaur (panpipe) accompaniment. Takaku died in 2011.

Newer recordings from the 2012 Reeds Festival, which Takaku established, feature village kaur and bamboo groups, a local women’s choir and two ethereal tracks from female singer Kamalita Tibola. Original tunes are mixed with string-band music and traditional kastam (custom) songs, known locally as SingSing Tumbana. Mesmerising stuff.