[Published on Monday, March 23, 2026]
BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Wantok Musik concluded the final day of its Na Ainamae na Totoraha recording project in the Solomon Islands, marking a significant moment in the preservation of kastom culture.
The highlight came recently in West Are’are when Wantok Musik artist Charles Maimarosia led a special recording session in Pipisu, his father’s home village.
The event featured a re-enactment of the U’nu U’nu Teo and Kiro kastom dance, showcasing traditional storytelling through movement and song.
Set against the striking natural beauty of Pipisu, the performance brought together women performers whose dance and singing reflected deep ancestral roots.
The community members gathered to witness the recording, which forms part of ongoing efforts to document and celebrate cultural heritage across the Solomon Islands.
A standout aspect of the event was the strong participation of younger generations.
Teenagers confidently performed the songs and dances passed down from their grandparents, demonstrating a rare and encouraging continuity of tradition.
The community organisers noted that such intergenerational knowledge transfer is not always guaranteed, making Pipisu’s example particularly meaningful.
The recording project aims to ensure these traditions are preserved for future generations while sharing them with wider audiences.
The Na Ainamae na Totoraha project now wraps with renewed hope for cultural resilience.
Photo: Supplied
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