Fijian music collective Vatu Dei: (Back L-R) Neomai Jikowale Timaleti Bose. (Front row L-R) Jonetani Tawake, Pasepa Leba, Sereima Adidrodro, Josevata Bose, Esther Traill, Maca Qauqau. Photo: Supplied
Thousands of Fijians are celebrating culture and heritage for Fijian Language Week or Macawa ni vosa vakaviti in Aotearoa New Zealand this week.
Music collective Vatu Dei, whose harmonies are steeped in itaukei stories and traditions, have picked the week to release their debut album.
Member Esther Traill spoke to Pacific Waves just after the group had finished performing at an intermediate school in Palmerston North at the start of the week.
Traill said it often took longer for young people to understand the value of being strongly connected to culture and language.
"We often tell them how important it is to know where they're from - their identity. So as they go around the world, people will know them for their identity.
"I believe that's what we carry, and it's our identity."
Traill said she had experienced her own difficulties around identity and belonging.
"Along the way, I wasn't proud of my culture because I didn't understand it completely.
"But then when I started to learn more about my culture, I started… really embracing the fact that I am a Fijian and I am proud of where I'm from."
Vatu Dei translates to Steadfast Rock. The collective is this year's Pacific Arts Regional Residency in Palmerston North.
The programme, supported by the Palmerston North city council and Creative New Zealand, is targeted at Pacific artists whose work strengthens cultural identity and community connection.
Traill said the group, which includes performers of all ages, connected over their love for music, dance and culture.
"That's how we all came together - a group of people.
"Most of us [are] in high school, [some] are in primary school, and some of us are young adults as well."
Traill said Vatu Dei's music and performing was also about spiritual connection.
"For me, personally, it's not only about culture, but it's also letting people know that we are not just Fijians and Pasifika, but we also worship one true God. So that's basically part of our language."
This year's theme for Fijian language week is 'Noqu vosa me na tekivu mai vale', which translates too 'My language starts at home'.
Some everyday phrases in Fijian
- Ni sa bula vinaka - Hello/Greetings
- Vinaka vakalevu - Thank you
- Kerekere - Please
- Vosota - Apologies/Sorry
- Na yacaqu ko ... - My name is ...
