WHAT THEY SAY:
"One of the most
dynamic live
experiences I have
ever witnessed"
The Guardian, UK
"...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
"...one of the loveliest
blends of Pacific
traditions and
contemporary forms ..."
The Listener, N.Z.
"...forceful rhythms,
inspired melodies...
stereotype-smashing
glimpse into
the true soul of the
South Seas..."
Wired, 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
..."Adrenaline-powered, bare-midriffed, percussion-pulsed,
infectiously happy, beautiful people bringing ancient
traditions into the modern world"...
.
Making the SCENE by Rick Chatenever
Maui News USA
..."Te Vaka’s music always embraces indigenous Oceanic
roots. The highly talented musicians sensibly look to their
rich Polynesian heritage for inspiration. The seamless
cohesion of the band, drawn from such diverse cultures,
is a political statement as well as an artistic one. All
paddling in the same direction Te Vaka sails straight
and true. The sustained standing ovation at the conclusion
of the show (and a haka by one section of the audience)
spoke volumes about the power this band has to talk
across cultures.
A festival highlight"...
Bay of Plenty times NZ
Te Vaka is a unique group of twelve musicians and dancers from
Tokelau, Tuvalu, Samoa, Cook Islands, and New Zealand bought
together under the inspired leadership of Opetaia Foa’i, "one of
New Zealand’s finest song writers".
NZ Listener