Tribewanted: Vorovoro

This is a basic guide on what to expect at the sevusevu ceremony, when you arrive on Vorovoro for the first time. All new visitors to Vorovoro will take part in the Sevusevu, although you may not need to speak if we have lots of new arrivals presenting their sevusevu at the same time. The process is as follows:

- The person presenting approaches Tui Mali from their position just to his left, staying low.

- They kneel before Tui Mali and place the bundle of Kava in front of him.

- Clap three times (which in Fijian culture means, “I am about to speak – everyone be quiet and listen”)

“Tui Mali. I present this Sevusevu to you on behalf of myself and my friends here on Vorovoro. Thank you for allowing me to come to your beautiful island and enjoy your culture” (Tribe members can add what ever they’d like to say here, but the keywords are ‘Tui Mali’ and ‘Sevusevu’).

- Then they say “So so ratu” (meaning ‘I have finished speaking’) and clap three times to finish. They then move back to where they were sitting, being sure to not turn your back on Tui Mali or the Tanoa.

- The wingman will then accept the Kava before Tui Mali speaks.

- Tui Mali will then meet with all the new tribe members personally and find out a little about them and the formalities are then over.

- Grog ensues! ;)

It may seem a little confusing at first, but don’t worry, our team on Vorovoro will walk you through the process in more detail once you actually arrive on Vorovoro