MEET THE BAND — WAYNE, MAUI, CARLEE

I am Wayne Naera, and I play Rhythm Guitar in Roaring Lion. 

I am the founder and leader of the band, and Director of Roaring Lion Pty Ltd. 

What I enjoy about being in Roaring Lion is our commitment to sharing Bob Marley's music with as many people as we can. 

Bob's music and message have always resonated with me — you know who feels it knows it. 

My personal goals for musical growth are to master all that I do in the band now.

In the future I would like this band to be happy, financial, and well positioned to be reggae embassadors for Bob Marley's music.

(📷 Isaac Ro)

Ko Maui Taku ingoa (my name is Maui) and I hail from Hamilton, New Zealand (Waikato). I was raised there until my teenage years, then I moved to Brisbane and have loved it here ever since.

I am of Maori Descent from the tribes of Ngati-Kahangunu and Ngati-Hine. On stage I play Lead Guitar, sing backing vocals, and am the Music Director of the band.

Off stage, the Musical Director duties continue. This involves song selection for our set lists, the order of the songs, the keys we play them in, and the speed of the songs — depending on the type of show we're delivering. I arrange the transitions, or musical flavour to this already amazing music, and also assist behind the scenes with our merchandise.

Bob Marley's music is the key element for me, and the musicians I perform this music with are like family. 

There are many layers to the music: the lyricism that touches deep to the soul, the message he portrayed 40-50 years ago, when his music first came out, is still relevant when you see the war and poverty in our world today. 

The musicianship of both Bob Marley, and the Wailers, are inspiring to pay tribute to, and for me growing up listening to reggae, this music brings back good memories of my friends and family.

Something else I enjoy are the stories we are privileged to hear, from people at our shows. It's an honour to hear them speak about how the music has moved them, or when they saw Bob Marley perform, when he was alive.

My personal goals for musical growth are to continue to grow as a musician, and do the best job I possibly can to show gratitude for the amazing music Bob Marley and the Wailers composed.

In the future I would love to see us continue to share our Tribute to this awesome music and reach all different areas of Australia (regional and urban) as well as beyond, to keep the music alive.

(📷 Bojy Boj Photography)

My name is Carlee Williams from Papamoa, New Zealand. I am a backing vocalist in Roaring Lion, and I also support the band with our social media and digital art projects.

I am so proud to be a part of Roaring Lion for many reasons. Performing reggae has proven to be food for my soul. I feel energised after every performance, and more in touch with myself and our community. It's an uplifting experience for me. The music brought me to the group, but what is keeping me here, is community. I feel like I am a part of something higher. Roaring Lion is like my church. Bob's music is my sermon. The more I am immersed in Bob's philosophy, with people who are walking the same path, the more I feel connected to myself and the world. Roaring Lion has given me purpose.

I would love to find a place of ultimate freedom on the stage. I want to be able to transfer my energy to our audience, so they can experience exactly what I am feeling on stage. To me, the best performers are the ones who aren't conscious of what they look like or how they appear, but the ones who are deep in the music. That's what I'm aiming for.

I would love Roaring Lion to travel more, reach more places and connect with more people. I'm excited about our new focus on a more amazing production and look forward to giving people an extraordinary experience as we celebrate the life and message of Bob Marley.

(📷 Isaac Ro)

My name is Bojan Sambolec and I am the drummer for Roaring Lion. I help where I’m needed, from some social media tasks to lugging gear around.

For me, it has always been about reggae music. I fell deeply in love with the trance-like hypnotic feel, and the relaxing peaceful and positive message. To be able to learn and perform Uncle Bob's music with Roaring Lion is such an honour and dream come true for me, and I am forever grateful to be in a band with such amazing people!

My personal goal for musical growth would be to study other reggae drummers and learn new techniques. Also to work on stamina! Because it takes a lot of energy to drum up to 3-hour shows.

I am pretty happy with how the band is at the moment, but it would be nice to tour and see more of the world, with the band.

(📷 Isaac Ro)

Kia orana. My name is Sisilia Teiti, and I am married to Taria, our bass player. I am a Cook Islander, born and raised in South Auckland, NZ. 

I am one of the backing vocalists, and I also manage our band finances and help with administration.

Being in Roaring Lion has allowed me to perform alongside my husband, which we both enjoy.  I am blessed to be able to use my God-given talent to share Bob's message of love through his songs, which are very relevant today.

Being in the band also lets me experience new places and meet people from all walks of life.

My personal goals for musical growth are to be healthier and to extend my vocal range.

As a band, I would like to see us possibly doing another tribute as well, why not right!

(📷 Thomas Wheto)

Ko Jamie Kingi Tauroa /

Hemi taku ingoa 

Ko Rekohu me te 

Wharekauri te moutere 

Ko Pipitarawai 

te Maunga 

Ko Te Awainanga 

te awa

Ko Ngati mutunga o 

wharekauri taku iwi

My name is Jamie Tauroa, also known as Hemi, and my role in Roaring Lion is Lead Singer.

What I enjoy most about this group is the passion and desire amongst the members and their partners to deliver the best product we can, be that musically, behind-the-scenes prep, and most of all Bob's prolific messages in his music.

As for personal goals, I guess as a singer it's very easy to try to make it your own. But I'm more into recreating Bob's timbre, tones and the wee wailing sounds he makes to deliver that feel.

As for the future of the band, I would like see us play at reggae festivals, on cruise ships, reggae jam rock, and just enjoy jamming with a beautiful bunch of human beings. Jah 🙌

(📷 Isaac Ro)

My name is Joanna Funk and I play keys in Roaring Lion. I also maintain the band website and edit audio from our rehearsals. 

It's nice to be part of something bigger than myself. The band is humble and principled, and it’s a privilege to be part of the family. 

I am honoured to represent Bob Marley’s music and message. To want fairness, equality, and freedom from oppression and suffering — this is surely the best message there is.

I play percussive keys (bubble and skank) and creative keys (horns, strings, clavinet, organ, Moog). I love to work on a signature solo or try to make sounds more authentic. One thing I haven’t done, which I want to do, is listen carefully to Bob’s lyrics in the songs we play. I think if I understand more, I will play with more conviction.

I love travelling with the band. I hope we can play farther afield, in cities and rural places, and share the music and message with as many people as possible.

(📷 Isaac Ro)