The inaugural “family friendly” Rarodice concert will feature a diverse lineup of talented artists from overseas, bringing their unique sounds and styles to the Cook Islands.

Dubbed as Rarotonga’s biggest musical festival, the concert to be held this Friday night at Te Are Karioi Nui/National Auditorium will feature performances by Sons of Zion (reggae), Swiss and his wife Katerina Manu better known as Tree (reggae), Israel Starr (reggae), Stallyano (hip hop), Sam V (RnB) and Elena (RnB).

Rarodice is the vision of LG Entertainment, established by Cook Islanders, George “GDub” Williams, the 88FM DJ based in Rarotonga, and former Tall Black Leon Henry, who is based in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Henry and Williams have been chatting about doing a big high-end concert for some time since the UB40 concert in January 2019.

Henry works in the festival arena and has contacts with artists.

“Now we think the time is right,” said Henry. “It was just a matter of time bringing something back to the island.”

Williams said it was important for them to cover the four genres of – reggae, RnB, hip hop and local.

He was proud to announce that Samuel James Verlinden aka Sam V is a Cook Islander who has roots to the island of Mangaia.

Sam V combines elements of classic and contemporary RnB and is renowned for crafty, poetic songwriting, soulful laced vocals and inspiring stage presence.

“People can expect a high energy show,” said Williams.

LG Entertainment has looked at different venue options around the island including open air sites factoring in the weather, stage and sound system.

Te Are Karioi Nui/National Auditorium was chosen as the best venue due to its covered seating, stage and sound system.

Opening the concert to families was also at the top of their list.

“Our thinking was that our youth, our mapu, tend to miss out on our big concerts,” said Williams. “It’s going to be a family friendly show open to everyone.”

This Thursday morning at 8.30am, the Sons of Zion will be performing at Tereora College. There will be a brief Q&A followed by a short sharp show by the band.

VIP tickets are still available for $120. This area will be cordoned off and is restricted to those 18 and over.You will have access to meet the artists, enjoy canapes and a complimentary drink. If you purchase your VIP ticket through Vodafone E-Moni, it will cost you only $110.

General admission tickets are selling for $50 each using E-Moni, or $60 cash. For children 12 years and under, tickets cost $20 each.

Tickets are available at Vodafone or 88FM as well as Ticketspace, a New Zealand platform online.

Vendors are also welcome to set up food stalls or merchandise at Te Are Karioi for only $30 per stall. Limited spaces are available. Contact Tereapii Ngatae at 20725 for more information.

Next year, LG Entertainment will be hosting the second edition of the Rarodice music festival

“We strategically chose the second week of February so it doesn’t clash with One Love in New Zealand,” said Williams.

He said that next year they can look at artists at One Love and hope to have them fly here for a concert before they go home.