MEKE AOTEAROA will create and stage two original meke during Macawa ni Vosa Vakaviti | Fijian Language Week 2019, this Saturday in Auckland. This is the first time original meke celebrating Fijians living in Aotearoa New Zealand will be created and staged.
Daunivucu and daunimeke, Alipate Mainasau (Ovalau; Director of Te Mana Performing Arts school) and daunivucu, Joana Monolagi (Serua; Coordinator of Fiji Village at Pasifika Festival) have created a seasea (women’s standing dance) and a meke i wau (club dance).
“Lali Ni Vanua talks about how life is changing at home in Fiji. We talk about yavu (spiritual foundation). Na domo ni lali is the call we all get from the homeland, from our families, our cultures, our traditions,” says Joana.
“It reminds us to be vigilant and remember who we are amidst the sea of change. Change is inevitable. Remember your foundation, your yavu (foundation, turangawaewae), your identity. Hold fast to it,” adds Alipate.
Pan-tribal meke performers and vakatara (singing and music circle) will be drawn from Auckland schools and communities.
Meke Aotearoa continues the Fijian tradition of inter-generational transmission of knowledge through language, traditional dance, and music. The project is timed to coincide with the United Nations International Year of Indigenous Languages.
Celebrate Fijian culture and heritage in Aotearoa New Zealand:
1pm Saturday, 12 October at Māngere Centre Park, 101 Robertson Road, Māngere, Auckland.
