Log drums, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, melodious voices. There is a great diversity of sound - from log drum grooves which defy anyone to hold still to soulful ballads that can move you to tears.

14 MP3 Songs in this album (51:12) !
Related styles: WORLD: World Fusion, WORLD: South Pacific



Details:
Te Vaka is a unique 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. They have been wowing international audiences since 1997, presenting a rich, luscious mix of Polynesia's ancient culture to the modern world. This year they have won four top music industry awards including the 2008 âBest Pacific Groupâ Award. The Tutuki album has won three awards since it's release in 2004 â a "Tui" for âBest Pacific Album in 2004, in 2005 âSamulaiâ the first track came second in the World Music Category of the ISC international songwriting competition and recently the 5th track âTamahanaâ has won the âinternational category awardâ in the 2008 Australian Songwriters competition.

Te Vaka has performed in the USA and toured the UK, Europe & other parts of the world extensively over the last 12 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 35 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 created an even bigger impact going to number one on world music charts and in some countries on mainstream radio. The third album, released in May 2002, was 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 USA 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 has also achieved rave reviews both in New Zealand and internationally, entering the European World Music Chart at No. 4 and winning a âTuiâ for âBest Pacific Albumâ in the 2008 Pacific Music Awards.