Drumming and hip hop meet at Pasifika

Media release

2 March 2013

Drumming and hip hop meet at Pasifika

Sample the sounds and island rhythm of traditional and new Pacific music at this year’s Pasifika Festival.

Some of the best cultural performers and artists from 10 Pacific Island nations will bring the festival stages to life at Western Springs Park next weekend.

“There will be more than 1,500 performers on the 11 different stages, performing a massive variety of music. This is a record number of performers, and was made possible by expanding the festival to a full two-day event,” says Stan Wolfgramm, Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development’s Event Producer.

Aotearoa is this year’s 'feature nation' and will host the headline acts, including Ria Hall, Dam Native, Toni Huata and Moana and the Tribe.

Other musical highlights include a 50 person strong Tongan brass band – with the troupe travelling to New Zealand especially to perform at Pasifika – as well as:

• 2012 Smokefree Pasifika Beats winner Zkabby Jams
• Vaniah and Jewel from Tokelau
• The Five Star Band from Samoa
• Old Fiji Fashion Show from Fiji
• Tahiti String Band from Tahiti
• Taurea Nui from Cook Islands

Emerging artists will also take to the stages with Rizvan, The Mavaega Sisters, Whanau Patuwai and Vallkyrie scheduled to perform in front of the festival’s huge crowds.

Entry is free throughout the weekend. Visit www.aucklandnz.com/pasifika to find out more.
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