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Cultures-Png

RINA RIXSEL FIOLO ( (RIKAYZ))

  • RINA RIXSEL  FIOLO ( (RIKAYZ))
© RINA FIOLO
Singer, Musician, Song writer/composer
Principal country concerned : Column : Music


Setting a trend in reggae-crazy nation of Solomon Islands is not an easy pick but for Rina Fiolo, his music shift is in the R'n'B grooves as it "goes with my voice".

 

Hailing from Fataleka, Malaita Province, Rina who is musically referred to as Rikayz started his music walk in his teens in church as a worship leader. He formed a band with fellow church brothers and they called themselves the "Kings Harp".

 

Rikayz turned to circular music and explored a blend of R'n'B, hip-hop and reggae for a unique combination. He formed Solkizs in 2007 and the band was managed by a Papua New Guinea (PNG) national. The band produced an album – "Stap wan taem" – in 2007 and in that same year scooped the PNG "South Pacific Artist of the Year" award. Solkizs later toured PNG in 2008 to promote the album. 

 

The emerging hot pick went through personal landslide with their manager's untimely passing, and it was back to where Rikayz started – "struggling to keep my music dreams alive". 

Solkizs picked up later in 2011 and worked on its second album after three years of finding themselves. The "Saratoga" album was sponsored by businessman, Peter Tam, which saw the launch in October 2011. But smooth sailing was a far cry for Solkizs in the new turn, so the decision to go solo was the only option for Rikayz who refers to music as his "bread and butter". 

 

Going solo was not easy but "with help from Events First, it was a starting point that helped promote my name and also boost it." In his own strive to build his solo image, Rikayz featured alongside other artists with big influence including Sharzy (Inde), which made it to number one spot in the local charts, Jahboy (Murderer) and JAG (In the Islands). 

 

Putting his singing skills to the test, Rikayz competed in the 2011 Voice Off Music Awards among stronger rivals and grabbed fourth place in a vigorous competition to secure a spot in the top five.

 

Working alongside a strong combination of artists has been the biggest plus for Rikayz, who said the best learning ground was the support within as musicians, and promoters who "treat us as artists with values." 

 

Known for his cheeky charms and youthful enthusiasm, Rikayz uses his "signature smile" to connect with his audience easily and allows himself to get "lost in my songs" when on stage. With his blend of different styles, including island music, complemented with his "R'n'B voice", Rikayz's easy-going character is clearly distinctive. 

 

Currently working on a new solo album, set for release in December 2013, Rikayz, is a multi-skilled, self-taught artist who prefers to program and write his own music as it is his personal space, as he says, "to form words to express my inner thoughts."

Partners

  • Alliance Française VANUATU
  • PACIFIC ARTS ALLIANCE
  • FURTHER ARTS
  • Pascoe Promotions

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