Pacific Mix

Eleven-piece New Zealand band Te Vaka travelled to Macau where they enchanted the audience with the sound of the South Pacific, just as they have done at venues throughout the world for the past 11 years. Samoan-born, Tokelau-raised songwriter Opetaia Foai started the band in 1997. He saw music as the way of linking his culture with his new life in New Zealand. Band manager Julie Foai said the band is very proud of their Pacific heritage. “With a stage full of instruments from guitars and keyboards to more than five types of drums and a flute, Te Vaka has modernised the traditional South Pacific music while keeping with its roots,” Foai said. Most recently, Te Vaka performed at the 2007 Rugby World Cup in Paris.