CHARLES MAIMAROSIA SHARES MESMERISING NEW SINGLE ROROPAU NEW ALBUM HOTE’ HOTE’ SET FOR RELEASE FEBRUARY 21

Blending tradition with modern-yet-immersive flair, the new single Roropau from Solomon Islands-born, Melbourne-based creative Charles Maimarosia connects deeply with his Are’ Are’ roots while also showcasing his buoyant craftsmanship, with the latest single heralding the upcoming release of Maimarosia’s sophomore album, Hote’ Hote, due out on Friday February 21 via Wantok Musik, available to pre-save now.

A deeply authentic and soulful artist, heavily inspired by his own culture and experiences, Charles Maimarosia once again weaves a firm essence stemming from his upbringing and his continuing journey as an Are’ Are’ artist into the new track Roropau. Adapting a traditional Are’ Are’ lullaby with Andrew Robinson also working on the single’s arrangement and production, the end result for Roropau is one that celebrates both culture and nurturing beauty, as Maimarosia explains, “Releasing Roropau feels deeply personal and meaningful. It’s a moment where I get to share an intimate part of my heritage, connecting the traditional Are’ Are’ lullaby with a modern audience. The song represents both my roots and my journey as an artist. I feel a mix of pride, gratitude, and excitement to share it with the world. Roropau is a lullaby passed down through generations in Are’ Are’ culture. It’s about the connection between mother and child, the soothing power of song, and the love that nurtures and protects. My inspiration came from hearing my elders sing it and realising the beauty in its simplicity and depth. It’s my way of preserving and sharing that legacy with the world.”

“The foundations of my sound always come from the Are’ Are’ traditions,” Maimarosia continues, “our panpipes, our rhythms, and our storytelling. Beyond that, artists like David Bridie, who has been a guiding presence in my career, and other Pacific musicians who celebrate their heritage have inspired me.”

To channel the core of the original lullaby into a modern setting, Maimarosia worked alongside Andrew Robinson on Roropau, who lent his specialised understanding of arranging and production to both the latest single as well as the broader Hote’ Hote’ album, resulting in music that revels in nuance and seamlessly blends tradition with contemporary charm. “Andrew is someone who truly understands how to honour the cultural elements of the music while enhancing them with modern techniques,” shares Maimarosia. “The mixing and mastering were done by a team who have experience bringing out the best in both acoustic and world music, ensuring the song retains its organic, heartfelt essence.”

Opening with the rumbling percussion of Parani O’o, Maimarosia’s new album Hote’ Hote’ ultimately journeys the listener through 12 unforgettable tracks overall, each celebrating Maimarosia’s Are’ Are’ cultural heritage as well as his musical dexterity. From his impassioned and gripping vocals through to glistening guitars and ethereal panpipes, Maimarosia also enamours with his immersive storytelling that beats throughout his sophomore album, singing entirely in his native tongue while effortlessly allowing stories and themes to translate seamlessly via his delivery and musicianship. Whether balancing traditional instrumentation with swooning arrangements (Rokahanua), gifting sunny sonic vibrancy (title track Hote’ Hote’), driving-yet-stirring anthems (Nanaratana Hu’ A Kuramauri), swirling textures (Haiamasina), jubilant and jangly panpipe-driven delights (Manu Ki), toe-tapping modernity balanced with virtuosic solos (Wote’ Wote’), balmy bliss (Kiaka Ha’ Apaina), laidback vibes with hazy tones akin to floating on azure waters (Na A’ Ma Si’ O), raw and riveting emotives (A’ Mamaiuru and Nanaratana Tetemanu), or sublime updates on traditional Are’ Are’ songs (Roropau), Charles Maimarosia retains a rooted and soulful presence throughout Hote’ Hote’, with the gifted artist also physically journeying to locations to authentically inspire and enhance his overall creative vision for the project. “Some of my favourite memories making this album include sailing in traditional canoes to remote villages to find inspiration and recording sessions where the team truly understood the importance of every sound we captured,” shares Maimarosia. “Working with Andrew Robinson on arrangements was another highlight—his ability to translate Are’ Are’ traditions into a modern soundscape was incredible.”

“The album explores themes of voyaging, family, love, and cultural preservation,” Maimarosia continues. “It celebrates the beauty of the Pacific, the strength of community, and the stories of my ancestors. It’s also a call for unity and respect across all cultures and generations. And also my own journey from small Pi Pi Su village in Malatia Solomon Islands to Australia and touring the world following and sharing My culture and music from the age of 17.”

An award-winning performer and storyteller, Charles Maimarosia is renowned for being a musician of important custom knowledge, and an artist dedicated to cultural preservation. Growing up in the remote Pipisu village of Malaita, Maimarosia developed a profound interest in ‘Are ‘Are music at a young age since inheriting his first handmade coconut shell ukulele from his father, and witnessing ‘auu rerepi’ panpipe performances and Are’ Are’ drum ensembles as a child. Starting his musical journey performing amongst his community and communicating ancient songs of his ancestors with hand-made pan pipes, Maimarosia has since gone on to tour the globe for over a decade, including as the frontman, choreographer and songwriter of the acclaimed panpipe orchestra Narasirato, as well as representing Australia and Solomon Islands at the G20 Summit in India, and on stage at the likes of WOMADelaide, the Blue Mountains Music Festival, and the National Folk Festival. Since relocating to Melbourne in 2010 to focus on his solo career and signing to Wantok Musik, Maimarosia has released a solo debut album, 2016’s Are’Are, and received the Music Victoria Diaspora Award in 2022.

Alongside the upcoming release of his sophomore album, Maimarosia is also set to perform some of his captivating creations live as of next month, offering fans a chance to experience his latest material in a live setting while also celebrating storytelling and traditional and modern Are’ Are’ music.

“Fans can expect an immersive experience,” Maimarosia reveals of his upcoming performances, “Are’ Are’ drums, panpipes, and rhythms blending with modern instruments. I want the audience to feel the heart of the Solomon Islands, the power of our stories, and the joy of coming together through music.”

“I am a storyteller at heart,” Maimarosia continues. “My music is an extension of my culture and my identity as an Are’ Are’ artist. I strive to blend tradition and modernity, preserving the wisdom of my ancestors while making it relevant to today’s world. At the same time, I’m constantly learning and evolving through collaboration and new experiences.”

“I hope this latest single and my upcoming album inspire people to value their roots and the stories that make them who they are. For me, music is more than sound—it’s a bridge between generations, a way to connect hearts and share wisdom. I’m grateful for everyone who’s been part of this journey, and I can’t wait to share it with the world.”

Roropau is out today via Wantok Musik.

Hote’ Hote’ is due out on Friday February 21 via Wantok Musik, pre-save now from https://ffm.to/cmhotehote.

CHARLES MAIMAROSIA – UPCOMING SHOWS:

SAT 8 FEB | ODESSA AT LEAVER’S HOTEL, CRESWICK VIC

Tickets available from: https://events.humanitix.com/charles-maimarosia-hote-hote-album-launch

SAT 15 FEB | GEORGE LANE, ST KILDA VIC

with special guest Pirritu

Tickets available from: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1301782

FRI 21 FEB | WAUCHOPE ARTS HALL, WAUCHOPE NSW

Tickets available in January 2025 from: https://wauchopearts.org.au/

SAT 22 FEB | RED RATTLER, MARRICKVILLE NSW

with special guest Zippy Anu