Gold medal winning Fijian choir lead a showcase of Pacific Islands choral talent.
The World Choir Games, often dubbed the “Olympic Games of Singing,” draws to a close this weekend in Auckland.
This is the 13th edition of the Games and the second time to be hosted in the Southern Hemisphere.
The event featured over 30 countries and 11,000 singers in competition and in musical events which included a special showcase of Pasifika culture with 11 community groups performing.
Fiji’s Primanavia choir, the only choir travelling from the islands to compete, made a remarkable impact.
Formed just two months before the games, the choir was led by Artistic Director/Conductor Sunia Soko Loga.
He brings a wealth of experience including studying music in South Korea, where he signed to a music label and won a top local song quest. He decided after winning that it was time to return home to Fiji and give back to emerging singers.
The choir’s performance at the Games featured the renowned Fijian tenor, Justin Hickes.
Despite admitting to pre-competition nerves, the tenor expressed confidence in the unique “soul singing” that distinguishes Fijian and Pacific music. This sentiment was echoed by Soko Loga, who described Fiji’s music as a blend of strength and softness, reflecting the warmth and peace of their culture.
One of the choir’s standout performances was the song “Sota tale.” Soloist Pepe Malani explained that the song captures the longing for home felt when travelling abroad. This heartfelt performance, along with the choir’s overall presentation, resonated with the judges.
Primanavia’s journey culminated in victory as they secured the gold medal in the Folklore and Indigenous Music with Choreography category. Their win is a testament to their talent, dedication, and the rich musical heritage of Fiji.
