Bibao Joins Pacific Break 2024 Finalists

Solomon Islands musician Lester Bibao Kisina, known by his stage name Bibao, has been announced as the seventh finalist for the Pacific Break 2024 music competition. Bibao has been writing music as a songwriter and singer for over a decade.

Speaking about his music, Bibao stated, "My music is a fusion of what I love, see, and feel. Coming from the slums of Honiara, I try not to limit myself to a specific genre, but rather experiment with new ideas to test my versatility as an artist." His entry song is titled "All Work Out," which explores themes of faith, trust, resilience, and determination.

In an interview with ABC Pacific, Bibao added, "For those who might be losing hope... this song is just a reminder that if you hold on, if you keep pushing, everything will work out." The currently announced finalists and songs for the Pacific Break 2024 competition include seven acts from Fiji, Guam, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu/Solomon Islands.

The Pacific Break is the largest music competition in the Pacific region, open to unsigned artists residing in the Pacific and Timor-Leste. Organized by ABC Pacific, the competition has been held since 2008 and returned in 2022. Previous winners have included musicians from Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Fiji, and the Cook Islands. The 2024 judging panel consists of Australian musician Ngaiire from Papua New Guinea, along with ABC radio hosts Hau Latukefu, Sose Fuamoli, and Rick Howe.

The winner of the competition will receive a fully funded trip to perform at WOMADelaide in Adelaide. The competition has launched the careers of many singers in the Pacific region, providing opportunities for performances and concerts. The 2024 winner will be announced on October 2nd on ABC Radio's "Nesia Daily" program.