"Havili" no. 1 on Canada worldbeat top 30 chart for the month of October.
NEW ALBUM "HAVILI" OUT NOW!!!
Buy your copy today and get the CD and the download. Buy now and receive a download while you await your copy of Havili, a very special album containing 13 new tracks complete with lyrics, translations and beautiful graphics.
10th of July - Te Vaka
recording at Studios 301 in Sydney
Studios 301 has the reputation of being the foremost
recording studio in Australia and boasts many famous acts
including lady Gaga, Kanye West, Chris Brown, Black eyed
peas and more. The studio is spacious and suits the recording
of the log drums which will again be a feature on Te Vaka's
7th album.
The band has been doing 12 hour days in the studio with
Neil Baldock as engineer and will fly to New Zealand when
the album has been recorded to mix in Neil Finn's (Crowed
house), Roundhead Studios with Neil Baldock. Mixing complete
it will be back to Sydney and Studios 301 for the mastering.
With the new album set for release at the end of August
and the USA tour starting in September it is very exciting
times.
Olivia having fun at 301
This site is under construction but will contain the most in depth insight into the band, the management and the music that you will find on the web.
WHAT THE CRITICS SAY ABOUT TEVAKA
"One of the most dynamic live experiences I have ever witnessed"
The Guardian, UK
“...forceful rhythms, inspired melodies... stereotype-smashing glimpse
into the true soul of the South Seas..."
Wired, USA
"...one of the most talented and original world music acts to appear
on the international scene for years..."
Ronnie Scotts, U.K.
"…a refreshing antidote to much of today’s self-obsessed pop."
L.A. Daily News, USA
..." New Zealand's hottest export after lamb chops.."
The Evening Standard, UK
..." the best, and internationally most sucessful of all modern Polynesian
bands is TE VAKA"...
The Rough Guide to World Music UK
A Brief Introduction to Te Vaka
Te Vaka has performed in over 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 “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 & the USA 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, 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 “Tui” for “Best Pacific Album” in the 2008 Pacific Music Awards.
The Songwriter
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 has been described as “one of New Zealand’s finest songwriters” and in 2005 won the Senior Pacific Artist award for his work in recognition of an outstanding contribution to the Pacific Arts of New Zealand.
