The Band

Island Sound is a musical group from Samarai Island in the Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea. The group was formed in 1986 by sisters Bela and Didileia. The first album "Our Hometown" was recorded at NBC Studios in Port Moresby in 1988.

The band leader and the instigator of the group, its performances and recordings. Bela is the visionary behind "Island Sound", one of the main composers, lead vocalists and backup vocalists.

A lead vocalist, backup vocalist and plays the keyboards. Didileia is one of the main composers for the group.

A lead vocalist and backup vocalist for the group. Kenu provides an extra special and exceptional vocal quality to the group's music and is the youngest of the Andrew sisters.

Lead Guitarist, Composer, Pianist, lead and backup vocalist. Don was one of the founders of the string band "Boidagugu". He studied piano at the Arts School in Port Moresby and has focussed his musical talents in the area of Christian music over the past few years, and is a highly regarded musician. Don is a member of "Island Sound" and was involved in our first recording in 1988.

Bass guitarist, composer, rhythm guitarist, lead and backup vocalist. Kamilo is a gifted, multi-talented musician. He has assisted many bands in Milne Bay Province with performances and recordings over the years. He is an original member of "Daia Strings" and the founding member of "Corner Joints". He is an original member of "Island Sound" and was involved in our first recording in 1988.

Rhythm guitarist and a lead and backup vocalist. Michael is a very talented musician and has assisted with the development of our original music over the past six years. Michael and Bela are married.

Lead male vocalist, rhythm guitarist and backup vocalist. Mark was the lead vocalist for the popular string band "Daia Strings" in Milne Bay Province and is currently a main member of "Corner Joints". He has sung with many bands over the years, lending his musical talents to numerous performances and recordings. Marleko is a member of "Island Sound" and was involved in our first recording in 1988.

Lead Guitarist, Rhythm Guitarist, Bass Guitarist, Drummer and vocalist. Beginning at an early age while still at school in Alotau, Giliudi gained experience with such bands as He She and EmTee Heads, and recorded with Boidagugu under the NBC Label, all in Milne Bay Province. During his years at Sogeri National High School in Port Moresby he joined the Crystal Rapids Band, then moving to Lae he played with the Nau Tasol Band. He has also worked with the band Salima of Kwato. Gili has brought to this project his masterful talent as a Lead Guitarist.

Allan Tarua or "AT" as he's known by family and friends plays Bass Guitar, Keyboard and is a highly respected session musician and back up vocalist in his own rite. His musical background started in Alotau while attending Cameron High School where he gained experience as a bassist playing with bands such as Black Souls (later called He Shes) and other groups in the Milne Bay area. Moving to Port Moresby he became a driving force behind "BUGS" Boroko United Gospel Singers (later known as Emeralds) for a number of years. He has lent his name and talent as one of the best left-handed Bass Guitarists to many a recording project and live performance. Continuing his lifelong commitment to music he now has moved his attention to composing, arranging and producing recording projects in his home studio. AT was also involved in our first recording "Our Hometown" in 1988.