Tribewanted: Vorovoro

(The Cultural Kava Performance)

‘Meke’ is the Fijian word for performance but also used to describe dancing and singing routines that tell stories.

The Na Meke ni Yaqona Vakaturaga or ‘kava meke’ is a very special, unique and peaceful performance and is acted out in front of the chief or invited guests at very special occasions when kava is given as a gift. (Kava- a local plant root from which we make our grog, a kind of local brew.)

It originated in Viti Levu in Western Fiji and it has been passed to various tribes across the Fijian islands. In each district, the kava meke is performed slightly differently and this is part of every tribe’s identity. When tribe members visit Vorovoro, they will experience a similar version to this Meke. The kava ceremony will be performed to our chief Tui Mali so it is a very prestigious event and we encourage Tribe Wanted members to know about the ‘kava ceremony’ rules as a sign of respect to the chief. These are explained on arrival at Vorovoro but don’t worry! It is all very simple and will make a lot more sense when you join the kava ceremony on the island.

The Na Meke ni Yaqona Vakaturaga or Cultural Kava performance takes place after the offering of the kava root or ‘sevusevu’ to the chief and it is a gesture of thanks and appreciation. This particular meke performance shows the process of kava drinking and is made up of three parts which are performed at short intervals by three male tribe members all dressed in traditional costume.

Other Tribe members sit cross legged in a circle watching the performance taking place in the middle around the Tanoa or large mixing bowl which is placed in the centre and faces the chief who is overlooking the performance. The Fijians chant whilst the meke is performed and movements are acted out to the rhythm of their voices.

The three steps of the Cultural Kava Performance:

1. Meke ni bitu ni wai – Pouring of water from the bamboo into the ‘Tanoa’.

In this ceremony, the bamboo is normally about eight feet long and is held diagonally by one of the three tribe members who are acting out the meke. The top section of the bamboo is filled with water and leaves prevent water from spilling out. The bamboo holder holds the bottom or left side of the bamboo to make a seal and pours the water slowly into the tanoa so water isn’t spilt.

2. Lose ni yaqona – Mixing of kava

Once the water is in the tanoa, the next stage is to add the ‘yagona’ or kava. This is mixed by the second role player. Before the ceremony, the Kava root has been pounded into small pieces.

The kava is placed in fibres from the Vau Tree and is twisted and squeezed together. (The Vau tree is often used in Fijian culture to tie things together as it is very strong; for example, the Vau fibres were used for the roof of the Grand Bure).

The kava is mixed water to dilute it as otherwise it would be too strong! When the matanivanua or wingman calls out ‘wai donu’ the fibre is then used to take out any kava particles that are floating inside the tanoa.

3. Meke ni lave – Serving of kava

The kava is now mixed. The third role player comes and enters on the right or left of the mixer and serves the kava to the chief. He, He should firstly take out the bilo (drinking bowl made from a coconut shell) and place it on the edge of the tanoa. When the tribe mixer lifts the fibres up, the server moves the bilo under the fibre and the kava juice is squeezed into the bilo.

Kava is a very important part of the Fijian culture and it is meant to have narcotic qualities. Your mouth will probably feel quite numb. Some people experience a sleepy relaxed feeling if they drink it over a prolonged duration, but most people will not experience any immediate effect.

Come to Vorovoro and try it for yourself!