Dongoleowia Local Stringband Returns with Fourth Album, Ending 15-Year Silence Since 2010 Release
July 15, 2025 10:40 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook
By Ezra Toara.
After a 15-year break, Dongoleowia Local String Band (LSB) has officially returned with the release of its long-awaited fourth album, NCD.
The popular group from Lelepa Island last released an album in 2010 and now returns with a fresh sound and strong messages woven through its latest tracks.
Band member Shaggy Kalz explained that the album title, NCD, is taken from a song that raises awareness about Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), a growing health crisis in Vanuatu and across the Pacific.
“With this comeback, we wanted our music to do more than entertain. NCDs are taking too many lives, and we want to be part of the national effort to inform and educate people on making healthier choices to improve their lifestyles and well-being,” Kalz said.
The album features 14 tracks, including a special Independence Song produced in honour of Vanuatu’s Independence Day on July 30. The song pays tribute to the country’s founding fathers and freedom fighters, especially two iconic figures from Lelepa—late Donald Kalpokas Masikevanua and late Peter Taurakoto—who played key roles in the nation’s journey to independence.
Another standout track is Vaturisu, composed by Paramount Chief Natamatewia III of Lelepa. Band member Saniel Fred said the song was inspired by the 2024 gathering of the Vaturisu Council of Chiefs, hosted on the island.
“This song speaks about the roles of chiefs and the growing challenges in our communities, especially among young people. It’s a reminder that our traditional leaders must remain strong and involved in guiding our youth and helping reduce crime,” Fred said.
Fred added that Vaturisu is dedicated to all chiefs of Efate and beyond. “We hope this song becomes a theme anthem during future Vaturisu council meetings and gatherings of traditional leaders.”
Dongoleowia LSB was formed in the 1970s and is known for touring across Efate and the Shepherd Islands. In the 1990s, the group began recording, releasing its first album, followed by Volume Two in 2005 and Volume Three in 2010. The band’s return in 2025 marks the release of Volume Four, which they describe as “14 solid tracks” filled with melody and meaning.
Kalz explained that the name Dongoleowia comes from local dialect: “Dongo” means “you hear it,” “Leo” means “you see it,” and “Wia” means “it is good.”
He also reminded fans of the group’s close ties with another well-known band, Makura Tokolau, noting that the two were prominent in the 1990s and 2000s.
The official launch of the new album will take place tomorrow, July 17, on the band’s home island of Lelepa. Fans in Port Vila will also have a chance to attend the launch at the Manples Fish Market on Friday, July 18, where copies of the album will be available for purchase.
“Stay tuned. If you haven’t grabbed a copy yet, please do,” Kalz said. “These are hit songs with important messages that we hope will inspire and uplift everyone in our communities.”
