Coco Talanoa — Humans of the Islands / Page 2

ANAPELA POLATAIVAO ONZM

DIRECTOR / ACTOR / PERFORMING ARTIST

SAMOAN
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Award-winning artist Anapela Polataivao, a celebrated and much-loved figure in the Pacific performing arts scene, recently received the ONZM honours, marking a significant milestone in her illustrious career.

Best known for her vibrant roles in Fresh and Coconet TV productions such as one half of comedic duo 'Pani & Pani', Anapela has captivated audiences for decades with her performances and heartfelt storytelling.

Reflecting on this prestigious recognition, Ana humbly admits to still coming to terms with its wider implications, expressing her deep gratitude for the overwhelming support and alofa from her community. 

Anapela has continuously evolved, contributing significantly to the arts while inspiring a new generation of Pasifika artists. We talk to here here.

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How big a deal is getting this spotlight shone on you, as a Pasifika artist?

I've yet to come to terms with what these things really mean in the wider context. To be honest, I always get a bit of a jolt or a surprise reaction when recognised for the work.…more

All our Alofa goes out to the family of our beloved Leatau’a Lesa Yvonne Maea Brown who passed away this week.

Aunty Yvonne filled all our lives with love, learnings and laughter and she was our star of the Coconet screen. Manuia Lou Malaga Yvonne, your legacy lives on.

Meet Lucidluca, an artist with a vibrant Tongan background! Luca's art reflects his rich cultural experiences. In our chat, Luca shares insights into his journey, the significance of cultural representation, and the inspiration behind his unique avatar maker.

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Malo lava Luca! Tell us about yourself. Who is Luca, and where did you grow up, etc. 

In my household, we call ourselves a fruit salad fam. I’m half Tongan and half Palangi, and I was born in Lautoka, Fiji, to an expat dad from Manurewa and a mum originally from Lotofoa, Ha’apai. I have three older sisters (technically halves, but we never think of it that way).

We all have different mums from different islands: Tonga, Kiribati, Solomon Islands, and Samoa. My dad spent decades as a tradie and a seaplane pilot in the Pacific, delivering midwives to outer islands to help women give birth safely.

However, he ended up collecting a few kiddos himself along the way, finally settling down with my mum in Tonga.…more

LUSI FAIVA

Performer & Creator

Samoan 

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Lusi please tell us about yourself? Where you grew up, Pasifika Heritage etc

Mālō, I’m a performer and creator with Cerebral Palsy and I have some great different communication abilities. I have Pasifka and European heritage. I grew up in Levin and in Lower Hutt, Wellington. My family came from Patamea. They arrived in Aotearoa back in mid sixties. My mum’s father was a traditional chef at his village. As the years passed I moved up to Auckland with my mum and my siblings.

What was your journey into the arts like?

I suppose I was fortunate enough to be part of the theatre groups that I was involved in when I was in my teens. But it was not until I attended the first workshop audition at Unitec in 96 where Catherine Chappell was facilitating the workshop that Touch Compass was starting up as the first mixed ability dance company in New Zealand.…more

2024 has only just begun but its already been a big year for young brown Musicians.

Since January we’ve seen some awesome young artists come onto the scene with debut music, or new releases! It’s no secret that Pasifika people have always expressed ouselves through art, dance and music. One could even say it’s in our blood. 

We’ve had many great Pasifika artists bless the many generations with their musical gifts, and the new generation are promising to deliver on the same legacy.

We’ve collated a few of the many exciting young Pasifika artists to watch out for right here!

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Ruby Coley

Rotuman Singer/Songwriter

Young Rotuman Songstess Ruby Coley has recently released her beautiful visuals of single "Devil on my shoulder" Directed by the talented Toa Fraser.…more

Jemaima Tiatia-Siau

Samoan

Researcher / Academic

By Lefaoali’i Dr Dion Enari

As a child Jemaima Tiatia-Siau caught a glimpse of a university building and a voice called her unmistakingly clear - ‘you will be here one day’.

Today she sits as a full Professor and Pro Vice Chancellor Pacific at the University of Auckland. Here she talks to Lefaoali’i Dr Dion Enari about her academic journey and her vision for Pacific people.

Malo lava le soifua, please tell us a bit about yourself, your village, family ties?

Mālo lava le soifua. I am a daughter of Sāmoa with roots in Sālelologa, Taga, Vaimoso, Siumu, Vaigaga and Fusi Safata. I also carry the lineage of Tongan, English and French ancestry with me. I was born in Tokoroa, Aotearoa and have spent most of my life in West Auckland.…more

SPDRTWNBBY

SAMOAN

SINGER / SONGWRITER

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Meet the rising star Spdrtwnbby (spider town baby), from hearty Avondale! She's not just a singer-songwriter; but a musical wizard who channels her personal experiences into catchy originals. For her, music is the secret portal to let her personality shine through! Having recently released her debut single, 'Pixel Pixie,' we talk to the emerging artist about her work and creative process

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Tell us a bit about yourself

I am full Samoan, my Dad is from Lalomanu Aleipata and Mum is from Malie. I was born here in Tamaki Makaurau, born and raised in Avondale. I did all my schooling through Avondale and then completed my tertiary studies with University of Auckland gaining a Bachelor of Music specializing in songwriting and performance.  I am the eldest child of three. My star sign is Capricorn. I currently work as a Pasifika librarian with Auckland Libraries.

I really enjoy the community engagement aspect of my job, it challenges me to create resources where we can encourage different forms of literacy and learning for our Moana community.…more

NATANO KENI

PLAYWRIGHT & PERFORMER

SAMOAN

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Samoan Playwright Natano Keni has come out with a brand new theatre show named O le Pepelo, le Gaoi, ma le Pala'ai. 
Using both English and Gagana Sāmoa, O le Pepelo, le Gaoi, ma le Pala’ai | The Liar, the Thief, and the Coward is a modern tale of a man who’s out of step with the times and whose time is running out. Who then will survive?

The playwright tells us more about his story here

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Tell us more about yourself. Cultural heritage? Where did you grow up?
I am Samoan, born in Aotearoa, New Zealand, I grew up in Timberlea, Upper Hutt.

What was your journey like into the arts? Did you always want to be an actor/writer?
I didn’t really know what I was going to do when I left high school, sports was also something else that was on the radar, specifically rugby league I could have gone into.…more

MOZIE

SINGER / SONGWRITER

SAMOAN

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Te Whanganui-a-Tara-based Samoan singer / songwriter MOZIE, recently dropped new RnB-pop single ‘Sonshine’.

With an addictive upbeat groove, catchy hopeful lyrics and stunning vocals, ‘Sonshine’ is a song that effortlessly fills any space with warmth. We talked to MOZIE about her journey in music and her latest work!

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Tell us a bit about yourself

O lo’u igoa o Moana Leota, I come from the villages of Vaimoso, Avao and Tanugamanono. I grew up in the beautiful Wairarapa and currently reside in Te Whanganui-a-tara. I am an artist and a Mum!

Have you always wanted to become an artist? What was your journey into music like?

Yes! I’ve always loved music/art and been surrounded by it since i was a dot! My Mum is a singer and a painter, and many of my aiga sing too. My journey into music started with the classic primary school productions. I used to get real bad stage fright but the more I did, the more I enjoyed myself.…more

Tell us a bit about yourself?

My name is JJ4K. I was born and raised in Brisbane, Queensland. Specifically, I spent
my early years in Boondall and Zillmere (4034), and the other half of my adolescence
in Inala (4077). My ethnicity is Samoan and Tongan, but spent all my years around
my Samoan half. Currently, I’m aspiring to be an artist, trying to become one of the
best lyricists in the Australian/New Zealand scene.

Have you always wanted to become an artist? What was your journey into music like?

From very early, I figured out I wanted to be a performer in music. I was never NOT
dancing. My first mentor was my uncle, he always put me onto any music that was
either new or a must-know classic. The sound eventually took over and younger me
started picking up sticks to hit things and I was hooked from then on. At the age of 8,
the first real instrument was the drums, soon after (while scouring YouTube) I picked
up the guitar.…more