Docu-Series ‘Instruments Of The Moana’ Explores Legacy Of Pacific Musical Heritage

Article – RNZ

Samoan-born New Zealand composer Tau’ili’ili Alpha Maiava is on a journey to seven Pacific Islands to understand the origins of musical instruments that once flourished.

Samoan-born New Zealand writer, director, and composer Tau’ili’ili Alpha Maiava is on a journey to seven Pacific Islands to understand the origins of musical instruments that once flourished, and those that have become obsolete.

He is travelling to Samoa, Fiji, Vanuatu, Tonga, the Cook Islands, Niue, and the Solomon Islands to research various musical instruments, including the conch shell, nose flute, pan pipe, lali, pāte, stamping tube, mouth harp, and mouth pipes, and the events that have influenced their current status.

“When people envision the South Pacific, images of swaying palm trees, pristine blue waters, and a warm tropical breeze come to mind,” Tau’ili’ili said.

“But what also permeated these islands was a unique soundscape – the laughter, singing, and cultural performances accompanied by instruments that once connected deeply to daily life.

“These instruments, initially communication tools, evolved into a crucial aspect of the region’s musical identity, only to fade into obscurity as new influences took hold,” Tau’ili’ili said.

Tau’ili’ili has collated all this through an eight-part documentary series called ‘Instruments of the Moana’.

The docu-series is a rediscovery of sounds and serves as a visual and educational resource for Pacific diaspora communities to understand better the traditions and material culture left behind during their ancestors’ migration journeys.

Though Tau’ili’ili was born and raised in Samoa, he and his wife embraced parenthood after immigrating to Aotearoa.

“Our children are proud representatives of the migration experience,” he said.

“While Aotearoa is our home, it is my duty as a parent to ensure they understand the vital aspects of their ancestral heritage that shape their identities beyond the superficial narratives of sports and entertainment.

“Our history is rich; we were not just warriors and conquerors, but also advanced navigators, healers, and composers. They must recognise this depth.”

Reflecting on the importance of this project, Tau’ili’ili hopes his work will inspire Pacific filmmakers and storytellers.

He aims to expand on what the Instruments of the Moana started, focusing not only on sounds but also other aspects of Pacific cultures to equip and better inform the future generation.

This docu-series builds upon the podcast series, which won the Gold Award at the prestigious New York Festivals Radio Awards in 2022, co-produced and hosted by Tau’ili’ili.

“The launch of ‘Instruments of the Moana’ marks the culmination of a ground-breaking project initiated to celebrate and preserve the musical heritage of the Moana,” Diana Marsh, SOUNZ chief executive from July 2015 to March 2024, said.

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