Pay close attention because there are several Fijian words included in your fun facts today and the pronunciations are pretty much the way they are spelled.
The MEKE
Music is an essential part of the spirit of the Fiji. It’s history, legends, and love stories are often shared in the form of a meke (a traditional dance). Men, women and children participate in the performance where a meke can be a blood-curdling spear dance or a gentle fan dance. For the meke, men generally wear full warrior costume and the women dress in colorful traditional garments and wear floral garlands (salusalu).
Generally a group of dancers (matana) performs in one or more rows, while music is provided by the orchestra (vakatara) made up of singers and instrumentalists seated behind the dancers. A meke usually begins with a distinct stanza that accompanies the dancers as they appear and take their places. Positioning of performers is still determined in part by hereditary status as a symbol of traditional clan identity and cohesion.
The singing is in three- or four-part harmony and is typically accompanied by a lali ni meke (a small drum made from a hollowed out log with a slit opening), while rhythm is provided by cobo (clapping with hollowed hands) and a number of derua (bamboo stamping tubes).
Meke are still loved by all people of Fiji, and are an indispensable part of any grand occasion. The tradition is very much alive, with meke still being created regularly by hereditary composers.
No comments:
Post a Comment