BY JOHN HOUAHIHAU

Five top Papua New Guinea artists are currently in Town for the upcoming Alean Riddim Music Festival that is set for Saturday 15 this weekend at the Pacific Crown Hotel.

“This is the inaugural one, the first one. The Alean Riddim Music Festival is basically to unite a lot of Melanesian artists and Melanesian music. That’s the vision behind Island Rhythm,’’ said Terence Rini, who was behind this festival.

The festival lineup, which will showcase the best contemporary music and traditional rhythms, features Saii Kay, Mereani Manani, Kali-D, Jarahn and J-Liko from PNG alongside Solomon Islands artists this weekend at the Pacific Crown Hotel.

Let’s hear from the artist who shared their views about the upcoming festival during a Press conference yesterday at the Our Telekom Head office point Cruz.

Mariani Masani

“My name is Mariani Masani,a female local artist. I’ve been doing music for about 10 years now. And I’ve had some great experiences doing music.This Aelan Rhythm definitely adds to my music journey. I’m so excited to be here in Honiara. First time here to visit the beautiful, happy isles.

“I just get to meet everybody. Experience the culture. I’m so excited to be here, just being able to meet some of our Melanesian legends from here. And it feels like home, too.  So, it doesn’t feel like we’ve left home. We’ve come here. And it’s been wonderful so far. So excited for the show on Saturday.

“I am looking forward to jamming with everybody,’’

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J-liko

“Hello everyone, I go by the stage name J-liko. I’m from Papua New Guinea (PNG). My dad is from the Gulf, and my mom is from Malaita (Tobaita). I’m very thankful to Aelan Rhythm for having me back home here to perform for the first time in my home. So happy to be home,’’

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Saii Kay

“My name is Saii Kay. I’ve been in the music industry for 12 years. Happy to be here to perform with Solomon Islands Music legend. I grew up listening to their music. It’s a privilege to be performing in the Solomon Islands. First time here in the Solomon Islands. Nice.

Loneliness and Alumaderas are two of my hit songs I’m going to perform, plus a couple of contemporary,’’

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Jarahn

“Hello. My name is Jacob, and my stage name is Jarahn. I’m from Papua New Guinea, the West and East New Britain province.

Um, I’m going to perform two of my hit songs. Two of my recent hits are star Davila Lamotu and Raga Lamu. That’s two other hits.

I won’t mention the two other songs, so if you want to find out, come to the show,’’

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Kali-D

“Hi, my name is Dion. But my stage name is Kali-D.  I’ve been in the industry for a little bit.

This is a really good opportunity for me to get back into the music scene. A lot of artists that I’ve worked with are Solomon Island artists. So, I’m excited to be in the Solomon Islands.

I also got to meet a couple of the legendary artists that I grew up listening to. Such as Wali Pazi and Jeg. It’s really exciting.

I’m just really keen to rub shoulders with some of the Solomon Island artists. Because we grew up listening to a lot of their music.

 I’ll probably do my biggest song, Ride My Name. I’m probably going to do a couple of other PNG songs. if you want to find out, you better come to the show, so make sure you get your tickets,’’

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