After a successful music career, spanning nearly two decades, popular Fijian band Rosiloa (Black Rose) once again recently graced the shores of Papua New Guinea.
The band was looking forward to giving back to their Melanesian counterparts.
Front man, Jim Ratusila expressed his awe towards the development of Pacific music over the years.
“I am amazed at the way our music has developed over time. I think it has improved due to technology.”
“Today, you have musicians from PNG, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Hawaii and Samoa; musicians from all over the Pacific coming up with their own style of music and yet we’re all united through our Pacific heritage.”
“The spirit of entertainment, the spirit of happiness, the spirit of harmony, you can feel in all of these different islands when they perform – it’s mystical, but it’s melodious.”
As to his creative process Ratusila told PNG HAUSBUNG that his inspiration for music comes from his religious beliefs and traditional culture.
“I’m a firm believer in God and my ancestors, hence when I go into composition, I pray and fast.”
“Our ancestors were in tune with nature; they spoke to nature.”
“Most of our music contains elements of nature; sounds of the forest, the seas, the insects and the birds – it is rooted in the earth, and you will hear it if you listen carefully.”
Mr. Ratusila also expressed his gratitude towards the media in informing the public about their songs and spoke about the importance of music.
“Music is a medium that holds society. It can make or break. It can heal a broken heart. It can inspire people.”
“It’s given by God, so we have to give it back to God’s people.”