Te Vaka - The Show

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Click here to see a history of Te Vaka in pictures.

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"One of the most dynamic live experiences I have ever witnessed" - Guardian Newspaper, UK

Alana Foa'i and Etueni Pita - Te Vaka dancers recreate the magic of a Pacific Island's dancing tradition - an integral part of Te Vaka's show

Audiences everywhere have been captivated by the Te Vaka experience. On stage Te Vaka delivers more than just a musical performance. The audience is taken, with music and dance, on a journey into the Pacific Islands, into the heart of Polynesia.

The costumes are vibrant and change constantly throughout the show. The dancers are skilled in Polynesian dances from many different Islands in the South Pacific. The drummers are a seven piece force beating out the rhythms of their ancestors. This is a fantastic show of 'Tribal Power' .

The show, like the music, has a contemporary edge which serves to enhance the communication of the Log drums, costumes, dance - part tradition, part modern attitude as this picture shows! songs and make them easy for other cultures to relate to and enjoy.

The focus is, of course, the log drums (pate) but this is varied and added to by the use of other instruments such as the acoustic and electric guitars creating within the show a great diversity - from log drum grooves which defy anyone to hold their body still, to soulful ballads that can move you to tears.

The show is unique, the performers are highly professional and talented. Audiences are left screaming for more...

Te Vaka is an experience!!!! Read reviews of the show to find out what the critics say

Te Vaka perform at Winstershall 98 bring a taste of the Pacific tradtionally influenced music to Surrey, England

Company Bio
Te Vaka is a unique 11 piece group from New Zealand, which has enchanted the world with the music, costume and dance of the South Pacific since 1997. From timeless roots in Polynesia, Te Vaka has incorporated contemporary influences to create something which is new, refreshing and exciting.

Te Vaka has performed in the USA and toured the UK, Europe & other parts of the world extensively over the last 10 years, performing in such prestigious venues as London’s Royal Festival Hall and Ronnie Scott’s nightclub. The group has headlined music festivals throughout Europe and been favourites at WOMAD festivals around the world including the WOMAD Festival in Seattle, USA. They have been nominated for two BBC Radio 3, World Music Awards - Best “Asia Pacific” and the “Audience Choice Award” categories.

Opetaia Foa’i is the songwriter/ lead vocalist of the group. The inspiration for his music comes from his multi-cultural upbringing - half Tokelauan, half Tuvaluan, born in Samoa and bought up in a Tokelauan community in New Zealand. Opetaia’s musical background spans both the traditional and the diverse influences of contemporary metropolitan culture.
He won the Senior Pacific Artist award in 2005 for his contribution to the Pacific Arts

Te Vaka has performed in over 30 countries around the world and released five albums to date. The first gained immediate worldwide acclaim and recognition for the group. Released through ARC Music, a UK based Record company, the album was distributed to over 80 countries. The second album, released in 1999 through Warm Earth Records has created an even bigger impact going to number one on world music charts and in some countries mainstream radio. The third album, released in May 2002, has been described as “Phenomenal” and gained the group a nomination in “Best Roots” category in the New Zealand music awards. The 4th album Tutuki , entered the European World Music Charts at no. 4 and the Global Rhythm top 10 chart at no. 3. It won a Tui for “Best Pacific Music Album” in the New Zealand music awards. The latest Te Vaka album Olatia has just been released is already achieving rave reviews, also entering the European World Music Chart at No. 4. For an extensive listing of Te Vaka's achievements to date view the chronology