Launch of Lomipeau Aotearoa

The Lomipeau Aotearoa album launch based on the poetry of the late Queen Sālote Tupou III.

This is the first time these historically significant songs have been professionally recorded and produced.

The day included a formal Tongan kava ceremony, live performances, artist talks and a documentary film about the making of the album.  The event was in partnership with Pukepuke ‘o Tonga and is part of the Auckland Museum exhibition "Volume: Making Music in Aotearoa" 

The songs are based on poetry by the late Queen Sālote Tupou III of Tonga and set to the music and choreography of the late Lapaha Punake Vili Pusiaki. This is the first time these historically significant songs have been professionally recorded and produced.

The Lomipeau Aotearoa album is the first of its kind to be published, as a part of a landmark Auckland Council initiative to preserve Pasifika history.

Album creator, Pukepuke o' Tonga is a North Shore based Tongan dance group made up of members of the Pusiaki family from the village of Lapaha and are descendants of the late queen’s music composer.
They are the only ones allowed to perform the compositions, which date back to the 1920s.  Group leader Sesilia Pusiaki said the album's launch is a dream come true for her family. 

Auckland Council's Mangere Arts Centre hosted the event that welcomed the guest of honour Princess Mele Siuilikutapu Kalaniuvalu Fotofili.