The fast-rising Music star from the Solomon Islands, Jaro Local, has won the prestigious “Best International Pacific Artist of the Year” award at the Pacific Music Awards in Auckland, New Zealand.

Jaro Local is the first artist from the Solomon Islands to have won in the 15-year history of the awards. It is also the first time a Solomon Islands artist has won a major international award, or recognition, for their music. 

The Solomon Islander burst into the music scene with his song 'DAKINI TANGARARI'. His follow up songs were equally successful, receiving playtime on popular radio stations around the region and internationally.

Jaro Local is in good company, previous winners of this award include major island music stars Common Kings, J Boog and Fiji.

Pacific Music Awards Trust Spokesperson Rev. Mua Strickson-Pua said the sheer range of different talents on display across the finalists was something to be proud of.

“The diverse range of talents across the finalist reminds us of the richness of the star systems for our musical navigations of referencing the stars to bring us home like our Pacific mariner ancestors."

He said the first- time finalist from Solomon Islands remind "us of growth, richness and transition with our musical malaga ola music journey of life.”

For more information: www.pacificmusicawards.org.nz