7/5/26 Pacific Music and Art through Political Commentary

Key Figures in Pacific Music

  • Groups and artists such as The Five Stars ("Samoa Matalasi"), Daniel Rae Costello, Bill Sevesi, and Kapena represent significant contributions to Pacific music.

Political and Social Commentary in Music

  • Artists utilize music for political messaging, seen in works like "LISTEN TO US" by Home Brew and "French Letter" by Herbs.
  • Themes of identity and neighborhood are explored in Aaradhna's "Brown Girl," "In The Neighbourhood" by Sisters Underground, and "Brother" (2009) by Smashproof feat. Gin Wigmore.
  • Contemporary social commentary is reflected in "Bunga" by SWIDT.

Political and Contemporary Pacific Art

  • Prominent artists include Lonnie Hutchinson, Ani O Neil, Filipe Tohi, and Fatu Feu'u.
  • Siliga David Setoga addresses identity and cultural navigation in works like "Mother Vaka" (2019) and "Lost in Transplantation II" (2009).
  • Jeremy Leatinu'u's "Queen Victoria" (2013) and Brett Graham's "Bravo Bikini" engage with historical and political themes.
  • Edith Amituanai’s "Keeping on Kimi Ora project" (2018) captures community through photography, including Ati Tuliau’s "New World" and Kavana Ioane’s "Sione swimming staunch."

Performance and Activism

  • Cultural expressions include the Water Music of Leweton on the island of Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu.
  • Activism is highlighted through figures like Tama Iti.
  • Multimedia and performance pieces include "Repatriate" by Latai Taumoepeau, "Polopolo" (2019) by Matavai Taulangau, and "Slap" (2012) by Darcell Apelu.
  • Gaby Solomona's "Falealili Uma" addresses the sensation of "starting to shake again."

Questions & Discussion

  • Siliga David Setoga's "Lost in Transplantation II" (2009) depicts an exchange regarding the Westernization of names:   * Teacher: "We have a new boy in our class children can you tell us your name?"   * Siliga: "Hi, my name is Siliga David Setoga"   * Teacher: "Everyone say hello to Selena"   * Siliga: "It's Siliga Miss"   * Teacher: "Ohsorry, Silena / Siga! / Jilina? / No! It's Pi-li ga / Oh! We will just call you David then"