Looking for new tracks to help you get ready for the week or maybe just to add to your playlist? Reporter Neueli Mauafu has you sorted with his Pasifika picks.
If you live in Auckland, you can agree that the weather has been a mixed bag the past few weeks, causing frustration and headaches to many people.
Whether it’s miscalculating your daily outfits due to the changes in the weather, or just bad timing of your washing being put outside due to the rain appearing midday, you just can’t catch a break.
Music is something that I like to use as a way of destressing when things go a bit all over the place just like Auckland’s weather. And lucky for me, a few of our very own pasifika music artists have dropped some amazing work recently that deserves a spot on everyone’s playlists.
- Umu (Island Vibes)
Having been around the music scene for about two years now, Island Vibes have made their presence known bringing their style, swag and beautiful harmonies to its growing fanbase.
The group recently dropped their track/visuals “Umu” which revolves around the themes of reminiscing, remembering and drawing back to the treasured memories kept close at heart.
Many islanders will know or have associated themselves with the making or cooking of a umu. In its simplest definition, it is a man made oven that cooks in any food you want by using the heat from stones, firewood and banana and taro leaves used as a cover on top.
Island Vibes weave to you through their lyrics and imagery on the music video, on how they recollect and remember their memories growing up as youngins and helping their fathers with the umu. It’s a process that not only involves cooking, but becomes an intimate moment for families to gather around and enjoy the meal they have prepared.
And with their smooth voices and beautifully written lyrics, Island Vibes make sure that Umu gives you that dosage of Soul Food/Music. A five star cuisine which I recommend you listen to!
2. Mo’omo’oga (Tiare Savea & Vaniah Toloa)
Speaking of remembering, how good was the Tina film?!
Already climbing its way up to greater and international success, the film has done a marvellous job in sharing pasifika stories and music. I include music, as it’s a pivotal key part in the film which to me really brings it all together.
A classic Samoan tune “Mo’omo’oga” is used in the movie which is a song I grew up hearing in churches sung by loved ones in funerals.
Its lyrics translate and tell a story of the feeling of wanting to be with a loved one for eternity, but are separated through death. And although it may be a sad moment, there is hope that one day you will reunite.
Young actress and artist Tiare Savea who acts in the movie is seen singing the song in the start of the film. Tiare has gone along to record a cover of it and make it available on streaming platforms with the help of Samoan music legend Vaniah Toloa.
For me, Tiare’s beautiful voice and tone really captures the emotions of the song but also the movie Tina. A raw and direct feeling that resonates well within your soul regarding loss, love and remembrance.
And with Vaniah’s smooth backup vocals gliding on the track, it completes this brilliant masterpiece. A must listen!
3. Pay No Mind (Sam V & Brandn Shiraz)
From Samoa we sail over to the Cook Islands where RnB sensation Sam V teams up with Brandn Shiraz to deliver their new track “Pay No Mind”
Sam V has shown continuously in the past three years just the range of talent he possesses by not only claiming multiple awards, but also his ability to produce amazing music.
His beaming confidence is also something that stands out for the young artist, which is why for Pay no Mind, he has swapped from his usual RnB sound to a more up beat afrobeat vibe.
It’s only fitting that he collaborates with Brandn Shiraz who is a fellow Kuki boy like himself. Shiraz brings his excellent rapping skills and rhymes flowing smoothly across the track.
And to top it off, the visuals for the track are all shot in the Cooks, showcasing its beauty and vibrant colours which definitely matches the vibe and feel of the tune.
682 to the world!
