The CD comes with an extensive booklet in four languages, that provides information about Tongan music an dance. "This album comprises highlights from my musical survey of the Tongan islands," says David Fanshawe. "It includes: the most authentic ceremoniao chanta tau’a’alo; traditional instruments such as the nafa drum and fangufangu nose flute; faikava love songs; lakalaka historical songs; and the notorious Old Times serenading us with their banjos and ukuleles."
Tonga is a nation formed by various Pacific islands, which used to be known as "The Friendly Islands." The islands were united into a Polynesian kingdom in 1845 and became a constitutional monarchy in 1875.
Track listing:
1. ‘Ani lai ‘a e – 1:13
2. Welcome Song – 1:17
3. Ma’ulu’ulu – 3:54
4. Tau’olunga – 4:24
5. Tongan Ceremonial – 4:58
6. Sunday Morning in Taunga – 2:06
7. Kava drinking song – 2:45
8. Holonga Faikava – 4:23
9. Hena Shark Calling / Makafeke Octopus Fishing – 1:33
10. ‘Utete mouth harps of ‘Eua – 1:27
11. Lakalaka Hihifo – 7:45
12. Finesola – 2:25
13. Me’etu’upaki – 3:33
14. Faikava Kanokupolu – 1:44
15. ‘Old Timers’ Dateline Hotel – 3:11
16. The Nobleman Ve’ehala – 2:38
17. ‘Otuhaka opening – 1:37
18. Oi inu i le’ava e – 1:21
19. Muli tu pe – 1:20
20. Hulo Hulo – 1:28
21. Malua lau fanga e – 1:21
22. Io ae e e – 1:27
23. Moenga ngongo tau fea – 1:36
24. ‘Otuhaka closing – 1:25
25.-27. Pacific Song: Chants from the Kingdom of Tonga – 10:19
25. Pacific Song: Hulo Hulo – 5:29
26. Pacific Song: Muli tu pe – 1:53
27. Pacific Song: ‘Otuhaka – 1:53
28. Pacific Song: The Singing Reef – 1:04
Buy the CD:
- In North America: Chants from the Kingdom of Tonga
- In Europe: Chants from the Kingdom of Tonga
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
