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Tapanesia (O & TU) are back and ready to hit the world by storm with an even more modern style of music called “Poly Rock”. It is a combination of music dynamics taken from Soul, Rock ‘N’ Roll, R&B, Jazz, Blues, Reggae and Dance Music which have been cleverly fused with traditional Polynesian music to create the new genre, “Poly Rock”.
In 1996 out of Mangere, New Zealand came a group called Messiah Youth. Out of the group were six dancers and singers, who paved the way for a new Sound of music with a Pacific Island flavour. This group was called TAPANESIA. They did not believe in following the trend, but believed that they were going to set the trend for Pacific Music.
Tapanesia was managed by Ofa Mo’unga (Tongan), he was also the writer of their music, producer and lead singer. Tulaniu Iuliano (Samoan) was the dance choreographer and back up vocalist for the group.
Tapanesia’s long list of performances includes: The annual Pasifika
Festivals, Pacific Island Sports Awards, ‘Shortland Street’ Christmas parties, Angela Dotchins birthday party, Pacific Islands beauty pageants, Churches, The Heilala Festivals, Parachute in Matamata, Best Training functions, TV shows, Private functions, Weddings, Birthday parties and the Polynesian Secondary Schools Cultural Festival 1998. They also won a music competition held by BMG NZ organised by Phil Fuemana.
Tapanesia soon became recognised by some key figures in todays’ global
music industry. Jim Gilchrist who
brought Frank Houston the famous Music Producer from Motown Records in America to NZ was one of many who were interested in Tapanesias Music and had said that they were onto something big and he couldn’t wait to see it developed. He had taken the group away for a weekend to Rotorua to advise and help them get on their feet in terms of setting goals and informing them of what was needed to be successful in the music world.
Sally Anne Kerr who is now working for Tri Star Australia wanted to shoot a music clip for Tapanesia, but Ofa felt that the music was not ready. He had felt that the music needed to grow and mature, as what Tapanesia displayed was way ahead of its time.
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The music that Tapanesia had produced back then is similar to what some of New Zealands best local talent are performing now, with the likes of Jamoa Jam, Semi MCs, King Kapisi fusing the Pacific music. So Ofa (O) decided to move Tapanesia to Australia knowing that he needed to further his music career. Tulaniu (TU) also chose to make the big move to Melbourne and since then they have been educating themselves and writing more songs.
Their single is currently in the hands of the Big Music critics in America who have already replied back with great interest, Music labels in France are also lining up to license their music. The word in the music industry at the moment is, that they are waiting for the next big thing and they believe it will come from the Pacific Music.
In March 2002, TAPANESIA (O & TU) released their first single - “Longing 4 Polynesia”. TAPANESIA (O & TU) were last here in November 2001 where they disguised themselves under O & TU and sneaked into the country to check out the music Industry. They appeared on the Good Morning show, Tagata Pasifika, 531 PI and at Stan Wolfgrams showcase of island talent at Westfield Manukau Shopping Centre.
They now have a fair idea of whats happening in the NZ Music Industry and are looking forward hit NZ with their new sound.
TAPANESIA (O & TU) performed at this years Pasifika Festival at Western Springs, Auckland, New Zealand at the Arts Arena stage and Contemporary stage. They will be touring the Pacific, Asia and USA later this year.
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