Tribal, rootsy & atmospheric, Olatia is a refreshing antidote to much of today's self-obsessed pop. Te Vaka will appeal to world music fanatics, new-agers, smooth-jazz listeners and anyone that appreciates gorgeous harmonies & infectious log-drum rhythms.

13 MP3 Songs
WORLD: South Pacific, EASY LISTENING: Mood Music

Details:
Te Vaka is a group of ten musicians and dancers from Tokelau, Tuvalu, Samoa, Cook Islands, and New Zealand brought together under the inspired leadership of Opetaia Foa'i, one of New Zealand's finest songwriters. They have been wowing international audiences since 1997, presenting a rich, luscious mix of Polynesia's ancient culture, to the modern world and have just been announced the winners of the âBest Pacific Groupâ award in the 2008 Pacific Music Awardsâ

Te Vaka has performed in the USA and toured the UK, Europe & other parts of the world extensively over the last 11 years, performing in such prestigious venues as Londonâs Royal Festival Hall and Ronnie Scottâs 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 âAsia Pacificâ and the âAudience Choice Awardâ categories.

Opetaia Foaâi 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. Opetaiaâs musical background spans both the traditional and the diverse influences of contemporary metropolitan culture.
Described as âone of New Zealandâs finest songwritersâ and â a true son of the Pacificâ, 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 âPhenomenalâ and gained the group a nomination in âBest Rootsâ category in the New Zealand music awards. The 4th album Tutuki , entered the European World Music Charts at no. 4 & the Global Rhythm top 10 chart at no. 3. It won a Tui for âBest Pacific Music Albumâ in the New Zealand music awards. The latest Te Vaka album Olatia, released in July 2007 is achieving rave reviews, also entering the European World Music Chart at No. 4 and currently winning "Best Pacific Album" in the New Zealand music awards.

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