The Kastom Konnect Song Hub

By William Kadi

Last week, Honiara played host to a groundbreaking event - the Kastom Konnect Song Hub. This three-day workshop is designed to bring together local songwriters and studio producers in an exciting collaboration which was aimed at fostering creativity and cultural exchange. The event provided a platform for participants to explore the fusion of traditional Solomon Islands music with contemporary songwriting techniques, creating a unique space for learning and artistic growth.

Sponsored by the British Council and hosted by the UK High Commission in the Solomon Islands, the workshop brought together six local songwriters, supported by two New Zealand based producers and APRA AMCOS NZ, a global performer’s rights association. This collaborative experience deepened our understanding of music production and our rights within the industry.

A standout moment of the workshop was the collaboration between songwriters and studio producers. For many local artists, this experience offered valuable insights into the music industry beyond songwriting. APRA AMCOS NZ also hosted an informative session at Dream Cast Hub, educating the Honiara music community on songwriting rights and protections, with an opportunity to register and safeguard their work.

The event culminated with a listening session at Dreamcast Hub. It was a moment of celebration where families, friends and music supporters gathered to hear the fruits of the workshop and enjoyed listening to the music creations over the past three days.

Looking ahead, the project will result in an EP featuring the music produced during the Song Hub. The EP will be made available on digital platforms, ensuring that the participants' creative work reaches a wider audience and is accessible for music lovers everywhere!

The success of the Kastom Konnect Song Hub reflects the potential for future growth in the Solomon Islands' music scene and making sure that the voices of local songwriters are heard on a global stage.