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Artists / TE VAKA (NEW ZEALAND)
Te Vaka is a unique 11 piece group from New Zealand, which since 1997 has enticed the world with the music,
costume and dance of the South Pacific. From timeless roots in Polynesia, Te Vaka has incorporated contemporary
influences to create something which is new, refreshing and exciting.Te Vaka has performed in the USA and toured the UK and Europe extensively over the last 5 years, performing in such prestigious venues as London's Royal Festival Hall and Ronnie Scott's nightclub. The group has headlined music festivals throughout Europe and been favourites at WOMAD festivals around the world including the WOMAD Festival in Seattle, USA. They have recently been nominated for 2 awards in the BBC Radio 3, World Music Awards for 2003 - the "Asia Pacific" and the "Audience Award" categories.
Opetaia Foa'i is the songwriter/ lead vocalist of the group. The inspiration for his music comes from his multi-cultural upbringing - half Tokelauan, half Tuvaluan, born in Samoa and bought up in a Tokelauan community in New Zealand. Opetaia's musical background spans both the traditional and the diverse influences of contemporary metropolitan culture.
Te Vaka has performed in 28 countries around the world and released three albums to date.
The first gained immediate worldwide acclaim and recognition for the group. Released through ARC Music,
a UK based Record company, the album was distributed to over 80 countries. The second album, released in 1999
through Warm Earth Records has created an even bigger impact going to number one on world music charts
and in some countries mainstream radio. The latest Te Vaka album, released in May this year, has been described
as "Phenomenal" and seems set to overtake the impact created by the first two.With a 6th world tour planned for 2003 Te Vaka has an exciting time ahead.
web: www.tevaka.com
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