Tahiti, February 29, 2024 – In Polynesia, music is much more than just entertainment, it’s part of the daily life of every generation. And among the styles that give rhythm to the islands, we can distinguish several musical styles:

Local compositions :
The landscapes, culture, legends, people and love found in Polynesia have inspired many artists. Fenua’s songwriters, composers and performers produce songs, melodies and lyrics that cross all generations. There are a number of songs written and composed between the 1960s and 2000 that form part of the “classic” Polynesian register. But artists continue to flock and be inspired. Since the early 2000s, a new generation of musicians has been emerging with clearer, more modern and more dynamic sounds. Music never stops in Fenua.

Some names: Esther Tefana, Angelo, Irma Prince, Barthélémy, Gabilou, Bobby, Tapuarii, Sabrina, Teiva LC, Nohorai, Teiho, Manuhei, Steeve, etc …

Local song covers :
Polynesians love to have fun, sing and dance. But to perform in bars and restaurants, it quickly becomes complicated to move a whole band. That’s how singers with drum machines (digital piano keyboards with built-in rhythms) and vocal effects came into being. All it took was one or two musicians, a keyboard and they played like a full band. This type of sound quickly won over Polynesians, and became a style in its own right. The arrival of Tahitian Rock (a dynamic dance style) has accentuated the craze for this musical style.

Some names: Matahi, 2B Brothers, Team Feeling, Team Kiks, Zincou, etc …

Sapa’u:
The younger generation, more inclined towards technology and modern music, has found its own particular style, which is constantly evolving. Ori Deck, Ori Siki, or Sapa’u: these are electronic rhythms inspired by African, Cuban and Polynesian sounds, with lyrics written and sung by the youngsters, or covers of popular songs. Born in the 2010s thanks to pioneers like Tommy Driker, Sapa’u was inspired by styles like moombahton, reggaeton and dubstep, incorporating elements of traditional Tahitian music. The result is a fresh, original and vibrant style that has quickly captured the hearts of the younger generation. The dance that accompanies Sapa’u is characterized by free movements imitating a few gestures from the daily lives of young people in Tahiti. Instead of the violence often seen downtown, dance parties and dance battles are the order of the day on Wednesday afternoons and weekends, bringing young people together around a common passion: music.

Some names: Tommy Driker, Harmelo, Mackom, Pokessi, Puachoux, etc …