DMP Brings the Spirit of Solomon Islands Reggae to Palau

By: Summer Kennard

Born from a brotherhood in Honiara, the Solomon Islands’ Doorman’s Project, better known as DMP, has grown from humble beginnings into one of the Pacific’s most influential reggae bands. Out of the group’s eight members, four of them, Bradley, Evin, Arak, and DJ Victor Lopez — made the trip to Palau, bringing with them the energy, warmth, and sound that have made DMP a household name across the islands.

DMP’s story began humbly in the early 2000s, when members David, Mosa, and Bradley all lived together in one home.

“We all just lived under one roof, same house,” Arak recalled. “We loved music — that was our dream. My parents took in the boys, raised them, and that house became where we all grew up in music.”

Before they ever stepped into a studio, their nights were filled with harmonies, guitars, and songwriting. Their first official tour began in the Solomon Islands, performing across the provinces after recording their debut album. One of their early songs unexpectedly became a regional hit — reaching Papua New Guinea and New Caledonia.

“That’s when things really started to move,” Arak shared. “We got signed with a distributor in New Caledonia, Mangrove Studios, and the album topped charts there. Back home, we were shocked to win awards like Song of the Year and People’s Choice. That pushed us to keep going.”

Their growing success opened doors to collaborations with fellow Solomon Islands artists such as Onetox and Tyler G, musicians who, as the band describes, “grew up together building music.”

Connecting Cultures Through Reggae

DMP’s reach expanded internationally after meeting Victor, an Australian-based DJ and promoter.

“Fans in Cairns kept asking me to play DMP songs,” Victor said. “I started digging into their music — and every track was good. Usually, you find one or two good songs on an album. With DMP, it was every song.”

Victor eventually brought the group to Australia, organizing what began as a small 10-show tour that grew into more than 30 performances across remote communities.

“We’d stop at petrol stations in the middle of nowhere, and suddenly kids would mob our car — they already knew the songs,” he recalled. “They’d heard DMP’s music from USBs passed around in the outback. That’s when I knew this music had power.”

What started as a Solomon Islands dream had now become a shared rhythm across the Pacific and Indigenous Australia.

Humble Roots, Timeless Music

Despite their success, DMP remains grounded.

“We’re not superstars — we’re humble,” Victor said. “Their music speaks to everyone because it’s real. It’s about relationships, heartbreak, forgiveness — everyday life. They don’t swear, they don’t brag. It’s just vibes.”

The band admits they’re not chasing social media trends.

“We’re not really into TikTok or that stuff,” one member said. “We just make songs from real experiences.”

Their organic reach shows in their audiences — even children who weren’t born when DMP’s first hits came out now sing their lyrics word-for-word at concerts.

“That spins us out,” Victor says, “We never aimed our music at kids, but it just connects.”

A Pacific Connection in Palau

DMP’s recent visit to Palau left a lasting impression on both the band and their fans.

“We didn’t know what to expect, but it’s been amazing,” Victor says. “The people, the food, the atmosphere — it’s peaceful here. It’s hard to go home.”

Victor added that Palau reminded them why they started making music in the first place.

“There’s no negative energy here. It’s an untouched place with so much talent,” he said, mentioning local artist Malo and other young performers they met during their visit. “We see ourselves in them — underdogs with big dreams. If our visit inspires even one of them, that’s worth more than anything.”