Rore’s music buzz
RORE is a household name in the field, known for his ability to fuse traditional music and seamlessly transition it to contemporary music.
The 46-year-old, who is originally from Vella Lavella in the west province of Solomon Islands, was always fond of music though, initially, as a hobby.
“I’ve always loved music as a child,” he said.
“It started as a hobby. As I grew older, I became more interested and wanted to do something in music that was worthwhile and meaningful.”
What started as a hobby is now Rore’s calling.
“Being a music producer in the Pacific is not easy,” he said.
“In the Pacific we don’t appreciate art, we consider it as past time.”
Adding on to his struggles of being a music producer, Rore highlighted the challenge he had of effectively conveying the emotions needed in his music.
Amongst the many diverse and versatile pieces of music he’s worked on, he worked together with Glenville Lord last year in successfully creating a show hosted at the Oceania Centre for Arts, Culture and Pacific Studies that depicted Mr Lord’s life and experiences.
Rore had the task of inventing and incorporating music with
Fijian lullabies and chants that would complement the dance choreographed by Lord.
The show was in five installations, the dance portrayed a narrative of a bird that grew up and had to leave its nest, experiencing life before returning to die.
Metaphorically, the bird not only represents the life of Lord, but also, us.
A great story in need of a great composer, Rore used the Pasifika voices, original Fijian lullabies, the beat of the lali and voiceovers to intensify and add depth to their performance.
“Music is a universal language, irrespective of our different backgrounds and culture, when it comes to music you will always fit in,” Rore said.
Not only has Rore worked together with local singers and organisations, but he also brought together and conducted a choir of 800 members during the opening ceremony of the South Pacific Games in Honiara last year.
Beyond the notes and rhythms, Rore’s music embodies a message of unity. Despite the geographical barriers, the universal language of music can bring people together.
As Pacific music slowly hits the global scene, Rore hopes we show more appreciation for art and music as it is connected to our culture.