Welcome to Te Vaka’s second website and shop
NEW ALBUM OUT NOW!!! CLICK HERE
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.
