The O.Gs - A Journey Through Opera's Island Legacy

The Auckland waterfront was transported to the Islands by the voices of Pasifika opera stars with ‘The O.Gs’ epic opera one off event! 

Spearheaded by Samoan tenor and visionary Siliga Sani Muliaumaseali'i, the first Pasifika to sing professionally with a New Zealand opera company as a teenager, this extraordinary event has been a long-held dream - "The O.G’s" concept is a tribute to the Original Pasifika Opera Stars. The name "O.G" holds various interpretations, including "Opera Giants," "Oceanic GAFA genealogy" in Samoan, and "Original Gangstas."

The O.G's that took center stage are SIliga Sani Muliaumasealii, his older brother celebrated Baritone Eddie Muliamasealii, famous Tongan tenor Ben Makisi, mezzo-soprano Lotte Latukefu, guest soprano Deborah Wai Kapohe and award winning soprano Aivale Cole who told the arts festival:

'The O.G’s represent a homecoming for these iconic artists, offering them a platform to sing their songs and share their stories. Though each artist has a unique journey, collectively, they share a story of perseverance, dedication, and a profound passion for their art."

Aivale's voice is the iconic soprano on the title soundtrack to the 'Teine Sa' film:

The show took us on a magical journey through our history of world renowned opera stars, and also paid tribute to the icons Island opera singers who have passed.

Our first Pasifika opera singer the great, late baritone Iosefa Enari was paid tribute to, along with soprano Daphne Collins and award winning bass baritone Jonathan Lemalu currently working overseas.

The greatest hits of European opera and Samoan song classics were intertwined with anecdotes from the rich shared operatic experiences of the artists and their journeys to the top echelons of the world stage.

The Legacy choir brought the power of Pasifika harmonies to the production with their beautiful Pasifika anthems and popular songs of the South Seas.

The O.Gs creationship was about unity. We all have a different story and we all share the same story. This is true for the opera life but also for our parents who came over in the first wave to Aotearoa. The concert is a tribute to our tua'ā - a faafetai and respect for their sacrifices and courage to dream another dream’ - Siliga Sani Muliaumaseali'i (Director / Writer)

This one off show was a special trip through this the wonderful Pasifika history of this art form, and also a reminder how we punch way above our weight with our Pasifika global success in opera - given how specific and expensive this pathway can be.

Malo lava to Siliga Sani Malo Muliaumasealii who wrote and directed this production that brought our opera stars together for one night of Pasifika magic!

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Public Interest Journalism funded by NZ on Air