ULAI MBAYA'S BLOG
Wisdom behind the Meke
Tags: Fijian / Sustain
It was until I was a rookie foundation student at University that I started understanding some of the reasons why things are such with the people of Mali. As part of my English unit, I have to cite a piece of oral literature about my people and explain in detail its meaning, symbolism..etc. I went to my elders in Ligaulevu to put into paper a chant that we kids used to randomly sing as yavu(foundation/ prologue) before the main meke begins to keep the adrenaline running for the participants and likewise the viewing public, but most importantly to bring people …
Read More >>>Why Tribewanted: The Mataqali (Fijian landowners) Perpsective
Tags: Fijian / Fijian
Some concern have been raised about the interests of Tui Mali’s landowning unit and his people, possible cultural affectation and other related issues arising from recent publicity created by Paradise or Bust. As expected, ancillary questions such as: “What are the Mali people going to gain from it” and “Aren’t …
Read More >>>The Iconic Chainsaw Man.
Pupu Epeli is an unlikely hero this week according to the articles by British tabloids today-and quite rightly so for those of us who know him. For tribe members who have been and crossed paths with Pupu, he is a living legend. Even, for kids during my time as far …
Read More >>>Firewood and the teacher
Mali Parents are a patriotic lot. Despite where they settle in life, it is an unwritten norm that kids must be sent back to Mali tikina school for their first formal English lesson and also to learn just about everything else in life and the outside world. Most importantly this …
Read More >>>Harold & Pupu
I don’t know Harold Rex. He attracted my attention and got me thinking on my first session with Ben at his favourite West London pub, the Windsor Castle. Harold is a name engraved on the back rest of a wooden bench where we were. As I seated, I kept saying …
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