Women in New Caledonia: music and identity

Abstract

Located in the South Pacific, New Caledonia is one of Australia’s closest Francophone neighbours. New Caledonia has a rich and lively culture, including traditional and contemporary visual arts, music and performance. Being relatively isolated, however, artists on this French island are often faced with unique challenges to achieve significant exposure beyond their home base. This article explores the experiences of four contemporary women musicians in New Caledonia. In particular, it reviews some of the unique opportunities and challenges in making a living out of the music industry while remaining in Melanesia. To date, there is minimal literature which specifically deals with the experiences of women musicians in the Pacific islands. This study addresses a significant gap by offering an introduction to the lives of female musicians in New Caledonia.