Tribewanted: Vorovoro

Music is woven into the fabric of Fiji and the Meke (Fijian dance) embraces this tradition. The dances can involve both powerful actions and more graceful movements. Mekes tell the stories of ancient legends and in particular the victories in war. Accompanying chants, hand-clapping and drum beating enhances the spectacle.

There are two groups of participants in the Meke – the orchestra (Vakatara), who sit on the ground and sing or chant for the second group, the dancers (Matana). The Vakatara use percussion instruments (hardwood gongs, bamboo tubes, beating sticks etc) and their voices to tell the part of the story, while the Matana uses their movements to complete the picture. When performing a Meke, tribe members will normally wear garlands of flowers (Salusalu), banana leaves, and glisten with scented coconut oil.

Fortunately, we have our very own master of the Meke on Vorovoro, Tevita, who has both written and choreographed a number of Mekes over the past year for Tribewanted members to learn and perform for the local villages on any special occasion in Vorovoro or Mali. All tribe members on Vorovoro will have an opportunity to learn these dances during their stay.