Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air
On the 14th of July, Hoyts cinemas in Auckland will proudly present a documentary that will bring to light one of Tonga’s most revered punakes (composer), Sir Sōfele Kakala.
The film, directed by Neka ‘Aipolo, aims to inspire future generations of Tongan people with the remarkable story of Sir Sōfele’s musical and spiritual legacy. This special screening coincides with the public holiday in New Zealand, commemorating Matariki.
Sir Sōfele Kakala, who was honoured with a Papal knighthood bestowed by the late Pope John Paul II, dedicated his life to composing music that touched the hearts of many.
His impressive body of work included the creation of 12 masses for the Catholic Church in Tonga. However, his musical contributions extended far beyond the confines of the church, composing music for schools where he taught, the royal Tongan family and villages.
Additionally, Sir Sōfele established the globally recognized Kava Social Club, which saw the formation of 15 Fa’onelua Clubs in the United States alone.
Born in the village of Lapaha, Sir Sōfele began his musical journey at a young age. He attended Catholic primary school and later became an integral part of the choir and brass band at ‘Apifo’ou secondary school in Ma’ufanga.
Renowned musicologist Dr. David M. Kammerer recognised Sir Sōfele as a mature and highly respected composer, music educator, and church choirmaster. According to Kammerer, Sir Sōfele’s training in the brass band played a pivotal role in his artistic development, offering him a more profound understanding of harmonies compared to his contemporaries in Tonga.
Together with Sione Tu’ifua from Tonga College, Sir Sōfele collaborated as a musical companion to Queen Sālote. They adapted her hiva kakala (popular Tongan music) compositions for their bands, showcasing their ingenuity and talent.
Following a 40-year teaching career, Sir Sōfele was appointed music supervisor for the entire diocese of Tonga by the country’s bishop. Despite this significant responsibility, he continued to serve as the music director at St. Michael’s Church.
In addition to his prolific compositions, Sir Sōfele contributed to the development of musical theory, particularly in the Tongan context. He introduced the concept of “Taimi Faka-Tonga,” a unique rhythm or Tongan time.
This rhythm, similar to the familiar triplets in music theory, presented itself as a six-quaver note pattern, filling the duration of a typical two-note pattern instead of the traditional crochet notes. While exploring his own musical works, Sir Sōfele discovered that the Taimi Faka-Tonga rhythm seemed exclusive to Tonga, with no evidence of its usage elsewhere.
The Taimi Faka-Tonga rhythm found its home primarily in songs performed during Tongan lakalaka group dances, particularly in the sipa or chorus of the lakalaka song. It played a significant role in the me’etu’upaki and ‘otuhaka dances as well, enriching these cultural expressions with its distinct rhythmic patterns.
