ETHNO New Zealand wrapped up their 10 day camp with performances at the Auckland folk Festival in Kumeu, west of Auckland on Sunday 27th January 2019.
Among the Ethno NZ performers were Natty Salaimanu and Willie Tekatoha who represented Ethno Solomon Islands.
The Ethno New Zealand Music camp started on the 18th of January when folk and traditional musicians from around the globe including Norway, Sweden, Ireland, India, Iran, Australia, USA, Solomon Islands and Aotearoa (NZ) gathered at Hoani Waitit Marae, near the Waitekere ranges in Auckland.
The participants were treated to a Powhiri (a Maori traditional welcome ceremony) by Hoani Waititi tangata whenua (owners of the land).
The six days that followed included intense workshops, practices, learning, collaborations and fun activities.
After all preparations, the Ethno NZ began showcasing their work through performances.
They started off with free performances at New Zealand Refugees Centre in Mangere, Hoani Waititi Marae for families and invited guests and at Silo Park at Auckland CBD.
Their final performances were at Auckland Folk Festival in Kumeu.
All participating countries or cultures had the opportunity to showcase their music.
For Solomon Islands, Salaimanu a well-known local traditional music artist from north Malaita brought a traditional chant called “Asi E Mae”, a song to calm the angry seas.
With assistance from Tekatoha, himself an accomplished Avaiki traditional/contemporary music artist known for his work with traditional Avaiki band KMK Kaumaakonga, conducted the collaboration workshop for the song.
Between Salaimanu and Tekatoha, they taught, conducted, collaborated and performed the song together with other ethno NZ musicians.
“We did have some awesome performances and a top collaboration effort with some amazing professional musicians from around the world.”
The Auckland based Tekatoha quoted.
“I think Natty did very well to represent his culture, Ethno Solomon and our country” Tekatoha said.
Salaimanu also said “This is what we need to happen for our traditional musicians, to be be given the opportunities like this and I would like to see more young traditional artists given the help they need”.
Salaimanu and Tekatoha will both assist facilitating the third Annual Ethno Solomon Islands later in June 2019.
By WILLIE TEKATOHA
