The music ofTokelau occurs in theatolls ofAtafu,Nukunonu, andFakaofo. It is dominated by communal choral activity in harmony, withpercussive accompaniment including log drums (pate),pokihi (wooden box) andapa (biscuit tin). Nukunonu is notable for traditional song and dance.[1]
Nukunonu is one of the three islands of Tokelau (the other two areAtafu andFakaofo) where, under the positive influence[citation needed] of the Catholic Christian missionaries, traditional music and song took positive development[citation needed]. Though the music and dance form was imported from Tuvalu, it was adopted into the “acculturated fatele” which has replaced the old forms. Drums were a common accompaniment in music for quite a long time. Slit gongs was also another instrument in use since 1841 that was noticed by theUnited States Exploring Expedition in 1843.Pokihi (mat covered boxes) is another widely seen instrument used infatele music, which was a postEuropean innovation seen even in 1921.[1] Alan Thomas was the first person to study the music of Tokelau in 1980s and submit a Master of Arts thesis onfatele in 1986.[1]
The venue, which is popular for holding music and dance performances, is known asfiafia or festival held at the meeting house where villagers congregate and the music groups arrange themselves according to their village affiliation known asfaitu (sides or halves). The performances are held in an atmosphere of fun and humor and are conducted till the elders in the group order it be stopped.[1]
Pehe are songs of Tokelau, whilepehe anamua are ancient songs;hiva are dances.[1] Together, they are popular forms of music in Tokelau. The best-known form oftraditional music isfatele, adance performed at many community gatherings and events.[2] Each song begins with astanza that is repeated up to a half-dozen times, followed by increasedpitch andtempo near the end of the piece. This tradition is shared with themusic of Tuvalu.[1]Fetele is a song form which is an abridged and fascinating song rendering of compositions which are situation specific and sung to the text format. The community is usually aware of the singer's capability in composing and rendering such songs. The experienced composer and singer of these songs is known as "pulotu". One suchpulotu who is popular among the public is Ihaia, who is not only a singer but also carpenter and fisherman, with oratory skills blended with humour.[citation needed]
Fakanau are fishing songs.Hoa are sung with lead and answering voices;tuala, wedding processions songs, are a form ofhoa.Mako (love songs) are sung by an individual and include sexual or emotional phrasing.[2]Pehe lagilagi is sung in four-part harmony while seated.Tagi are songs within tales. Funeral songs include thevale (memorial) andhaumate (laments).[1]
Drums calledpasu orpabu were present in 1841 at the time of the United States Exploring Expedition, but are no longer used or even remembered.[citation needed] Considered unusual for Western Polynesia, the instrument was cylindrical in frame, upright in its playing position, crafted of shark's skin, and beaten with two sticks. Slit-gongs, known aslala orlali, were also described in 1841. They were created from a hollow log and struck with a heavy beater. A smaller version ofslit gongs was known askaulalo. Another smallerslit drum, thepate,[1] was used with handclapping orpati (slapping) duringtaualuga dancing. Weaving boards (papa orpapafailalaga) are struck with thin sticks and produce a brittle sound. Beaten with sticks,moega (rolled mats) are used as accompaniment duringmauluulu dancing. Plywood is used for crafting thepokihi, a mat-covered box; it accompanies thefatele dance. Other instruments used in Tokelau are theutete (Jew's harp),fagufagu (flute),pu (shell trumpet),ligoligo (leaf whizzer),pu (leaf oboe), andfagufagu (slit tubes).[1]
New Zealand-based bandTe Vaka is composed of Tokelauans living in New Zealand, and also has members fromTuvalu andSamoa. They have achieved international commercial success. Many of their songs incorporate elements of Tokelauan music. Their music and dance style are not the traditional Pacific Ocean genre and does not just involve guitars and hula skirts, typical of the ocean region. They have recorded many albums and traveled toAustralia,England andEurope. The music group has blended traditional music and contemporary styles and put the music of Tokelau as the leading group from the country. They recorded their first album in 1997 which was called theTe Vaka. The second album released in 1999 was titledKi Mua. The music group is headed byOpetaia who is versatile, performs on guitar, percussion, sings and is also the music composer. His music was inspired by the oral tradition of the folk stories narrated by his people.[3]