Tribewanted: Vorovoro

There’s something mysterious about the songs you learn on Vorovoro – they get into your blood, like the kava they accompany, and bubble up at unexpected times.

Driving along the M1 to a boring meeting I find myself drifting dangerously towards a doze. It’s miles from the next service station, and I need to keep alert. Another part of my head is thinking about Fijian things, and suddenly suggests to the part that’s driving that I should sing. So, with no-one else in the car to suffer my appalling redention, I give the motorway the full benefit of a “Bilo Kavoro”, a “Sega e vukei au”, and my personal favourite, “Isa Lewa”, which I only discovered last Monday night in conversation with fellow Coventrian and ex-pat Vorovorian Marama Jadi was penned by none other than wonder musician gardener Leavi. Of course, I can’t remember any of the words, so it’s a fair caterwaul, but marvellously, after these 3 songs I’m wide awake – and so engrossed that I miss the junction for the M25. Sega na lega, there are far more important things than meetings…

Anyone in the UK want to join a Vorovoro choir?