Havili (2011)
The colorful sounds of the South Pacific return with Havili, the 7th album by Te Vaka. As usual, the band combines melodic folk-rock and pop songs with superb percussive pieces, showcasing the log drums and other percussion instruments of the South Pacific.
Te Vaka is led by lead singer-songwriter Opetaia Foa’i, who was raised in New Zealand and is half Tokelauan and half Tuvaluan. Havili has a focus on vocals, featuring male and female lead vocals as well as a children’s choir in ‘Tamaiti Uma’.
Te Vaka is a group of musicians and dancers from the South Pacific nations of Tokelau, Tuvalu, Samoa, Cook Islands and New Zealand brought together under the leadership of Opetaia Foa’i. The inspiration for Opetaia Foa’Ii’s music comes from his multi-cultural upbringing – half Tokelauan, half Tuvaluan, born in Samoa and bought up in a Tokelauan community in New Zealand.
The band’s previous album, “Haoloto”, released in December 2009 won “Best Pacific Group 2010” and “Best Pacific Language song” at the 2010 Pacific Music Awards.
Te Vaka have recorded another fine album full of exotic and passionate South Pacific rhythms and immediately accessible songs.
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.
