Charles Maimarosia

Charles Maimarosia is an extraordinary singer, guitarist, pan-pipe player and storyteller, originally from the Solomon Islands and now based in Melbourne. He is renowned for being a musician of important custom knowledge, drawing equally on traditional and contemporary musical styles.

The award-winning artist has come a long way since growing up in the remote Pipisu village of Malaita. Charles developed a profound interest in 'Are'Are music at a young age after inheriting his first handmade coconut shell ukulele from his father. He later began performing amongst the community, communicating ancient songs of his ancestors with hand-made pan pipes. He went on to tour the world for over a decade with globally-recognised panpipe orchestra Narasirato, acting as their front man, choreographer and songwriter.

In 2010 Charles relocated to Melbourne to focus on his solo career. Since signing with Wantok Musik, his music is making a buzz on international stages, including performances representing Australia and Solomon Islands at the G20 Summit in India. He’s toured widely in Australia as well, including shows at WOMADelaide and the Blue Mountains Music Festival.

Charles’ first album ‘Are’Are was lauded by critics. Songlines Magazine (UK) said, "Are’are’ rightly places Maimarosia at the centre of contemporary Melanesian music. My only complaint is that at eight tracks, this recording is far too short."

In 2022, Charles received the Music Victoria Diaspora Award. Throughout this global and critical success, Charles has always stayed true to his instincts for making music that speaks to universal themes of love and nature. As he said in a recent interview on ABC Pacific Beat, “Music that comes out of something that is true, that is connected to the land or connected to people, that music always finds it’s way.”
He received high praise for his performance at the 2024 National Folk Festival.

Charles is releasing his second album in 2025.