BAND MEMBER PROFILES – TOUR 2010

Opetaia Foa’i is the songwriter/ lead vocalist of the group. He also plays the acoustic guitar, lead log drum and choreographs the show. The inspiration for his music comes from his multi-cultural upbringing- half Tokelauan, half Tuvaluan, born in Samoa and bought up in a Tokelauan community in New Zealand. Opetaia’s musical background spans both the traditional and the diverse influences of contemporary metropolitan culture. He has been described as “one of New Zealand’s finest songwriters” and in 2005 won the Senior Pacific Artist award for his work in recognition of an outstanding contribution to the Pacific Arts of New Zealand.

Matatia Foa'i – joined band 2003
Drum kit, log drums, skin drums, percussion. Born in New Zealand, Matatia is quarter Tokelauan, quarter Tuvaluan and half New Zealander. He joined Te Vaka in 2003 and makes his way around log drums, skin drums, percussion and drumkit with skill and ease. He also co-composed one of the percussion tracks on the latest Te Vaka CD.

Olivia Foa'i – joined band 2002
Vocals and dance.Olivia is part Tokelauan, Tuvaluan and New Zealander. Born in New Zealand she has performed with Te Vaka since 2005. As with many members of the group, Olivia is multi-talented and loves to perform - singing and playing keyboards when she is not dancing.

Talaga Sale – joined band 2007
Vocals and Dance. Talaga is full Tokelauan, born in Tokelau. He is an original member of the group and his voice can be heard on the first Te Vaka album recorded in 1996. Unfortunately, in 1997, just before Te Vaka left for their first world tour, Talaga was called back to Tokelau He returned to sing on the “Olatia” album in 2007 and has been touring and performing with the band ever since.

Luavasa “Vasa” Foai – joined band 1995 (original member)
Bass player and Pau'u Malu (goat skin bass drum). Luavasa (Vasa) is half Tokelauan and half Tuvaluan born in Samoa and brought up in a Tokelauan community in New Zealand. Luavasa is a founding member of Te Vaka and toured with the group from 1995 - 1999. He took a break from touring in 2000 but rejoined the group again in 2007.

Tremayne Lihou – joined band 2005
Lead dancer, Tremayne is part Niuean, Cook Island, Maori and European, born in New Zealand. She is a passionate dancer. Discovered by Te Vaka management in 2004 she joined the group at the beginning of 2005 and has been stunning audiences around the world ever since.

Neil Forrest – joined band 1995 (original member)
Lead Guitar, Pate Toa (rhythm log drums), Pate liki (double log drums), Pa'u Malu, skin drums& flute. Neil is a founding member and has been with Te Vaka since 1994. He has been involved with music for most of his life, learning piano at the age of eleven, and going on to play drums, guitar, flute and log drums. He was the original lead guitarist in the group but took a break to play percussion, flute and keyboard for a few years – he is now back as the lead guitarist/fluteplayer/percussionist.

Etueni (Edwin) Pita – joined band 1997
Lead Dancer. Etueni (Edwin) is Half Tokelauan, quarter Cook Island and quarter Tuvaluan, born in New Zealand. He has been dancing since the age of five. Joining Te Vaka in 1997, he made his debut at WOMAD Pacifica. Since being with the band he has contributed his traditional and contemporary dance skills and also assists with choreography for the stage shows