SIVA - JOOM feat Rachel T

JOOM is performer, composer, producer and disability advocate Pati Umaga.

“I composed, produced and rapped on this Pacific fusion electronica song, originally as a way for me to express my own situation, disability, opportunities and lack thereof. I chose SIVA (Samoan for Dance) as the theme of the song, as a means of reflecting the “moment” of being so enchanted by a sound that physically moving, no matter how limited or uncoordinated – becomes a natural part of your being – and equally those around you. 
I wanted a song that anyone could listen to and immediately gravitate to, purely because it made them feel good, and in feeling good, they smiled, danced, sang and invited others to join in and share this feeling
SIVA is a song that is for ALL people and features disabled people dancing with able bodied people. I wanted the song to fully embrace “inclusion” and “diversity” in a way not commonly seen, but in a way that all peoples could relate to and embrace”

Pacific Islanders in New Zealand may remember Pati as the former bass player of the "Holidaymakers" with their hit single "Sweet Lovers" in 1988.

A fall in 2005 left him with spinal injuries that would lead to life as a permanent wheelchair user and after 2 years battling depression, Pati has become an acknowledged leader and advocate for disabled people.

He was awarded a Queens service medal for services to the Pacific Community, won an Arts Access Aotearoa Arts Leadership Award and directed a music video, directed a music video and most recently wrote and recorded 'The Power of You' for Paralympics NZ.

His musical journey continues as he now works towards producing and recording an album featuring disabled musicians collaborating with music industry record producers.  

"We want to earn our position, to write, record and perform great quality music" he says 

Supporter and mentor Brotha D of Dawn Raid Records says "Pati Umaga is a musician with attitude and drive.  Despite his disability, he overcomes all obstacles and add to the mix his music experience, provides for an exciting opportunity to have people with disabilities creative diversity, add vibrancy to the NZ commercial music industry"

You can get behind Pati and show your support by purchasing the track on iTunes here