Program Notes
I
Taki atu au ki he maamá
Kavei koula ngaahi ʻulungaangá
Anga fakafonua takiekiná
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I
Taki atu au ki he maamá
Kavei koula ngaahi ʻulungaangá
Anga fakafonua takiekiná
I. Taki atu au ki he maamá SATB
Thomas Goedecke words by ‘Amelia Mataele Pasi 2’30”
Lead me to the light
Golden waistband* cultural knowledge
Our Tongan ways lead Moʻui ni ki ha tuʻunga fakalatá
Anga faka-Tonga, ko e kakalá
To a better life
Tongan ways, our kakala He ʻaho kotoa ki tanekinangá
Every day until the end
*Kavei koula golden waistband is a strong heliaki (or kaona). The metaphor of sisi no’o loto are the kakala (flowers) woven with fau (hau bark) and si (ti leaf). They are special and worn to performances and important events. The kavei koula is also symbolic of Queen Salote’s articulation of the four values cherished among Tongans: fakaʻ apa ʻapa (respect), anga fakatokilalo (humility), tauhi vā (nurturing relationships with ʻofa and reciprocity), and mamahiʻi meʻa (loyalty).
-‘Amelia Mataele Pasi
In writing this work we wanted to center the poetry around our relationship with our mothers and with our daughters; as well as the modern Tongan family's relationship with Tonga. The kakala is a strong metaphor or heliaki, that represents our mothers, our homeland, and the children. Our message to the youngest generation, our kakala, is to follow the light to your homeland, rediscover your traditions and cultural knowledge, and be a champion of your culture and identity.
I. Taki atu au ki he maamá
Words by 'Amelia Mataele PasiSteadyprocessionalwalkq=60
Lead
Steadyprocessionalwalkq=60
Thomas GoedeckeLoa Ko e Taki Maamá ...every day until the end.