The launch of Wan Solwara (One Ocean), a collaboration between Indigenous Australian and young Bougainvillean musicians, celebrates the power of music to unite people across cultures.
Wan Solwara was conceived in 2022 when the Australian Government invited internationally renowned didgeridoo player, Tjupurru, and his sone Jake Fabila, a rising rap artist to participate in a program of events in Buka, including the Bougainville Voice X-Plosion competition.
The song, and a video which documents the story of the music collaboration, were officially launched by President of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, the Honourable Ishmael Toroama, and the Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, HE Jon Philp, on 4 October in Buka town, in front of an enthusiastic audience.
Along with Tjupurru and Jake, Wan Solwara features 2022 Bougainville Voice X-Plosion contestants Michael Dave, Ruth Maison, Walter Kerevio, Jolista Masu, Robertha Yansi, and Milton Garea. Supporting artists include acclaimed PNG musicians and producer, Richard Mogu, Tsarlayse Iamu and Kawas Band. It was recorded and mixed in Bougainville in 2022 by local sound engineer, Melchior Wagum, with guest producer, Richard Mogu and mastered and released in Australia in March 2023 by Wantok Music label.
The artists drew on their cultural heritage, using a combination of traditional and contemporary instrumentation including bamboo pipes, and didjeribone (a cross between a didgeridoo and a trombone). Lyrics were co-written by ABG Minister for Community Development Hon. Morris Opeti MP, Richard Mogu, Tjupurru, Jake, and the young musicians.
The collaboration was documented by local filmmakers, Bruno Louey and Ishmael Palipal (Createk Multimedia), and produced with Wantok Musik. The track lyrics and video call upon Bougainvilleans to “Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up!” to bring about positive change in their communities.
High Commissioner Jon Philp said the Australia Government is committed to promoting and strengthening cultural linkages between First Nations Peoples in Australia and across Papua New Guinea as part of its Indigenous Diplomacy efforts. “This collaboration underscores the power of cultural exchange and music to strengthen people to people links and knowledge sharing between First Nations peoples. Indeed, Tjupurru also has a strong connection to PNG, being born in Port Moresby and with family connections in Central and Bougainville.”
According to President Toroama, music plays an important role in transmitting cultural knowledge from generation to generation. “Music is an important conduit for conveying important messages of hope and peace. Bougainvilleans have a strong attachment to music through unique, traditional songs and chants, accompanied by bamboo pipes. This is something that Bougainville youth must be proud of and maintain.”
The Wan Solwara launch will be followed by the Bougainville Voice X-Plosion competition on 5-6 October in Buka town, where Tjupurru and Jake will again perform and participate as judges. Supported by founder and artistic director of Wantok Musik, David Bridie, they plan to create a second collaboration song with the 2023 Voice X-Plosion contestants.
The Voice X-Plosion is led by ABG Minister for Community Development, the Hon. Morris Opeti, himself an accomplished musician and one of the main drivers behind the initiative. In 2023, the Australian Government is supporting the Bougainville Youth Federation, through the Bougainville Partnership Youth Initiative, to project manage the competition, in partnership with the ABG Department of Community Development.
This collaboration was supported by Australia, in partnership with the Autonomous Bougainville Government, the Regional Member and PNG Minister for Internal Security, the Hon. Peter Tsiamalili and Wantok Musik.
The artists drew on their cultural heritage, using a combination of traditional and contemporary instrumentation including bamboo pipes, and didjeribone (a cross between a didgeridoo and a trombone). Lyrics were co-written by ABG Minister for Community Development Hon. Morris Opeti MP, Richard Mogu, Tjupurru, Jake, and the young musicians.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100