When Digicel Nauru sent songs of several Nauruan artists to Australia, little did Abner Jeremiah know that not long after he would fly to Brisbane for a recording.
Abner features in a collaboration of Pacific artists who have recorded a new upbeat version of Digicel’s hit song “We are Family.”
Abner who is Nauru’s leading artist, said he grew up around music. His father was a member of a local band while his mother was in the church choir.
“My interest in music grew when my mum asked me to join the church choir,” he said.
Abner has a preference for country western music. So it was quite an eye opener being in the same recording studio with well-known Pacific artists who play reggae, pop songs, and other genre of music.
Abner worked alongside artists like Stan from Vanuatu’s leading reggae band ‘Stan & The Earth Force’, ‘Big Wilz and Fill’ who are make up the band ‘Makare’ from Fiji, Angela Afeaki from Tonga, Jay Liesi and the talented Bianca Noka from PNG and the OZKI Brothers of Samoa.
“All of the other artists were famous so I felt overwhelmed at first. Fortunately they were all down to earth so I got to know them and enjoy our interaction throughout the recording and filming. Special mention should go to the two Makare members (Big WIlz and Fili).”
Abner said they motivated and pushed him to a new level of singing.
He was amazed by the state of the equipment in the studio in Brisbane, he added.
“I never expected filming to be part of my work in Australia so being my first time, the experience was nerve-racking and one that I don't plan to do again ever.”
As Christmas draws closer, he is urging everyone to ‘enjoy and be safe.’
For now, Abner, who is a technical officer at the Fisheries Department wants to focus on his young family and has no plans to further his music.