Island Summer music a universal language

PACIFIC UNDERGROUND

MEDIA RELEASE 5 May 2013 (2 pgs)

Island Summer music a universal language.

South Island musicians Samoan Pos Mavaega of Christchurch and Tokelau /Tongan Hiliako Iaheto of Dunedin may have been born Islands apart in the same year, and live islands apart – Pos lives in Auckland, but they share an equal amount of passion for music, have collaborated on stage in New Zealand and overseas and this weekend will join forces again at the Fortune Theatre, for Pacific Underground’s show ‘Island Summer’ on Saturday 8 June at 7.30pm.

Hiliako Iaheto, 44yrs of Dunedin’s iconic reggae band ‘Koile who in 2011 were the recipients of the Pacific Music Awards Best Language Award will feature as a guest in Island Summer and with Rangitakau Tekii will perform songs from the ‘Koile set, backed up by Pacific Underground.

Just a month ago both groups returned from a short tour in New Caledonia with local band Kalaga’la where languages sung were a mix of English, French, Samoan, Tokelauan, Cook Island, Wallisian (Wallis and Futuna) and Kanaky and without one common language between them all communicating was at times difficult.

“Our first jam the day we arrived, we were pretty creative communicating with sign language, body language and hand gestures, especially working with the local French musicians.” recalls Iaheto. “But I could lean towards my Tokelau language with Kalaga’la band leader Patrice Kaikilekofe who speaks Wallisian, (similar to Tokelauan), French and English and he would also translate for us.” Pos Mavaega also 44yrs, enjoyed the exchange between all the musicians. “I just thought, okay, let’s just play. Here in New Zealand when I prepare for a gig whether it’s my show or someone else’s, music becomes our second language. But in New Caledonia music became our first language. It was a real ‘wow’ moment.” Says Mavaega who on his return, started straight into the Caselberg Trust’s Artist-in- Residence programme at Broad Bay.

“Having Pos here in Dunedin especially in Broad Bay means for me I have another brother close by” says Iaheto who resides in Macandrew Bay.

“I’m really stoked and looking forward to sharing more ideas, and supporting him or even just hanging out. Having someone who I’m close to here adds warmth and depth on the Peninsula, and more firewood!” “It’s always a good opportunity to work with Hiliako in music. Just before our trip to New Caledonia we ran a workshop here for young people on how to be in a band.” Says Mavaega. “And this residency give us time, a luxury we’ve not had, to just play 2 and write. I’m writing music for lap steel guitar with Hiliako and Tanya Muagututi’a from Pacific Underground.” Island Summer features original and Samoan songs beautifully arranged by Pos Mavaega, Tanya Muagututi’a, Andrew Sione, Chris Searle and Hemi Lesatele for guitars, lap steel, and vocal with a contemporary spin. The show has received excellent reviews and has travelled to the Festival of Pacific Arts in Palau, American Samoa and the Solomon Islands.

“I’m really looking forward giving the music of ‘Koile the Island Summer treatment, as well as the inclusion of dance and young singers. That part features Hiliako’s son and my daughters. Presenting something with our kids is also part of the Pacific Underground journey as we celebrate our 20th Anniversary.” “We’re the first cab off the rank so to speak at the Puaka Matariki Festival. In 2011 our actors were here in the Fortune Theatre studio performing a play about Matariki, so we’re really pleased to be back at this festival.” Says Mavaega.

“Matariki is about a new start, and Island Summer helps us look back on our historical journey, through our parents journey and their hopes and dreams for us in New Zealand” says Mavaega.

“The tour to New Caledonia drew us all closer, all three groups and working with Patrice, strengthening our ties. We’ve become a family made of all these cultures, our origins from where ever we’ve been raised, Christchurch or Tokelau, or Noumea.

Music transcends language or any differences, and Island Summer brings the Islands to the South. The stories and music of the show will keep everyone warm.” says Iaheto.

“I liken it to fishing. I was raised in the village in Tokelau. And my job was to go fishing. We’re from the ocean. How do we feed the village, what do we need? You look after the net and the net will look after you. It’s the Island way” “…Hearing Mavaega play this guitar was a standout moment of the concert. Another was Muagututi'a offering a song about her grandmother who lived to be 100, titled Song for Grandma… proud, warm moments in time from another place that are equally at home in these chilly climes. “ - Vicki Anderson, The Press

ENDS

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