There are, but a few individuals, who are way ahead of their time; people whose innovation, ideas and certainly music is characteristic of a later age or era. In the 1970’s and 1980’s Rootstrata of Fiji and the Black Brothers of West Papua were most certainly ahead of their time.
It was a time when music was a powerful tool, the cause was the song and the musician was the vessel to articulate the message. It was music with purpose, socially conscious and alive. Rootstrata and the Black Brothers were the master artisans carefully crafting their music to tell the world their stories, their struggles, their hopes and dreams.
Black Brothers turned out hits spanning decades. They toured extensively and when they arrived in the Solomon Islands in 1987 a crowd of 30,000 descended on the streets to welcome them. The usual 30 minute trip from the airport to the centre of town took 2 hours to complete. They were superstars and people, many not even fans, marveled at their ingenuity.
Rootstrata grew out of Raiwaqa, a sprawling suburban outlay in Suva, Fiji. Disillusioned with life and feeling neglected the 7 men band formed in 1984. The band toured extensively and their music was popular in Asia where they toured Thailand and Hong Kong.
In the heart of both groups were two front-men both unique but bounded by their love for music.
The Black Brothers had Hengky MS whose vocals was not just powerful, it was soulful and told of stories, stories of personal pain and triumph. Metaphorical and amazing. His voice was clear, a crisp soothing melodic charm that evoked powerful emotions that even grown men were said to cry. Hopelessly enchanted.
Freddy Fesaitu of Rootstrata was a music junkie in every sense, the consummate songwriter. He had ushered in a new genre with a vengeance. Freddy would remain highly regarded for his talents and his inspiring story of personal tragedy and triumph continue to resonate with many Fijians to this day.
As history would ultimately show, Black Brothers and eventually Rootstrata began to turn out music with political overtures; much to the dismay of the ruling class. Rootstrata ran afoul with the Fijian government during the 1987 coups and finally disbanded in the early 1990’s; their sad demise a result of disciplinary problems and mismanagement.
Earlier, in 1979 members of the Black Brothers went into voluntary exile protesting Indonesian policy in West Papua. Today, many surviving members of the group live in exile in different parts of the world and their story condemned to the annals of history.
But in the early 1990’s XB2 burst into the scene with hits such as “Swit luv blo mama” and “Ambae” the silky voice of Hengky unmistakable yet ever so youthful. XB2 was said to be an acronym for X-Black Brothers and probably the 2 denoting that it was now only 2 of the original band members.
“Warrior of Love” is Rootstrata’s most recognizable tune but other hits included “Street People” and “Message in the Music”. Black Brothers, on the other hand, turned out hits like they owned a factory of endless lyrics and catchy tunes. “Sajojo”, “Anita” were among the many favourites that dominated our airwaves.
Until today, both groups remain an anomaly, musical geniuses ahead of their time in a league of their own.