Te Vaka is a unique group of thirteen musicians and dancers from Tokelau, Tuvalu, Samoa, Cook Islands, and New Zealand bought together under the inspired leadership of Opetaia Foa’i.
Te Vaka has toured the UK and Europe extensively over the last 10 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.
Opetaia Foa'i is the songwriter, lead vocalist and leader of the group. The inspiration for his music comes from his multi-cultural upbringing - half Tokelauan, half Tuvaluan, born in Samoa and brought up in a Tokelauan community in New Zealand. Opetaia's musical background spans both the tradtional and the diverse influences of contemporary metropolitan culture.
Te Vaka has performed in over 30 countries around the world and released five albums and two DVDs to date. The first album 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 third album was nominated for Best Roots album and the fourth album Tutuki won Best Pacific Music Album in the New Zealand Music Industry Awards.
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