I have to admit since the lockdowns and all the uncertainty in the world, the idea of touring Te Vaka like we did constantly from 1997 until 2018, almost fits into the “too hard” basket. We do however, miss the connection with audiences and maybe one day will tour again even if it is on a smaller scale.
Recently, five of us flew to Auckland for the Pacific Music awards held on August the 21st.
Opetaia, Sulata, Olivia, Matatia and Douglas performed an acoustic version of some old favourites - “Pate Pate” and “Tamahana” along with “We know the way” and other Moana songs live at the Pacific Music Awards.
It was fun. Gathering together in the hotel room to rehearse, soundchecking, preparing for the show, it brought back memories of being on tour. Performances in New Zealand have always been a little rare so it was very nice to come back to where it all started and do a performance for our friends and family as well as everyone else present at the awards night and be amongst people who were there at the beginning of our journey.
It was a great night with lots of world class entertainment. Opetaia was acknowleged for all his work and received the Lifetime Achievement Award. The Pacific Music Awards had many treats in store for us including a performance by an Auckland Tokelauan group and a Tuvaluan group at the beginning of the night to honour the Islands where Opetaia's parents came from. Our hearts were warmed by the whole event.
Julie