The Franco-Vanuatu Reggae Phenomenon called the Sunshiners

If you never heard of them…

From the vibrant shores of distant Vanuatu came the infectious, feel-good sound of Sunshiners, a band that represented one of the most unique and successful musical collaborations in the Pacific.

More than just a reggae group, Sunshiners is a pan-cultural project that masterfully blended Ni-Vanuatu vocal harmonies with French musical sensibilities, creating unforgettable reggae-pop interpretations of classic rock and pop anthems.

Their music is a testament to the idea that friendship and a shared love for music can transcend any cultural or geographical barrier.

The band’s origin story is as remarkable as their music.

In 2001, French musicians Philippe “Feal” Lerouzic (saxophonist) and Gaël “Chewinoo” Chosson (drummer) were touring Vanuatu with their band, Mister Gang. During their time in Port Vila, they formed a deep connection with a group of talented local singers. When Mister Gang later disbanded, the memory of that powerful musical chemistry inspired Feal and Chewinoo to return to the Pacific archipelago.

There, they reunited with their Ni-Vanuatu friends to officially form Sunshiners.

The vocal frontline of the band is a powerhouse of Vanuatu’s finest talent. Among them, Ben Siro stands out with his soulful, smooth vocal style that often takes the lead.

Before Sunshiners projected him onto the international stage, Siro was already a respected and well-known musician within the local Vanuatu music scene, known for his captivating voice and stage presence. He is joined by the equally gifted Gero Iaviniau, John Kapala, and Jake Moses. Together, their distinct voices intertwine to create the rich, layered harmonies that define the Sunshiners sound, all underpinned by the tight, professional rhythm and horn sections provided by their French counterparts.

Their genius lies in re-imagining globally famous tracks with a Pacific twist.

Armed with ukuleles and a laid-back reggae groove, they have transformed songs by artists like U2, Queen, and AC/DC into something entirely new, yet comfortingly familiar. Albums like their 2006 self-titled debut and 2007’s “Welkam Bak Long Vanuatu” have become classics, exporting the joyful, sun-drenched spirit of Vanuatu to a global audience and solidifying Sunshiners’ legacy as a beautiful symbol of cross-cultural harmony.