News:
Music crosses Cultures
SPASIFIK Magazine Issue 25 2008.
This issue’s photo essay superbly captures former member of the award winning music group Pacific Soul, SARA-JANE ELIKA (nee Auva’a), and her visit to Mt Hagen in the Papua New Guinea highlands where her musical exchange with the locals turned into an experience of a lifetime. .jpg)
As a New Zealander of Samoan and European decent, I was anxious to visit my Melanesian brothers and sisters of Papua New Guinea and embrace their culture. Being a Pacific Islander, I assumed there would be some familiarity with the local people and that we would have common values.
I was visiting PNG in my capacity as a music director and hoped to develop a musical education programme within the local Christian churches. But I also envisioned adventure; a trip to Mt Hagen in the remote Highlands of Papua New Guinea, exotic vegetation and interaction with the people in their comfort zone. And that was exactly what I got. Access to Mt Hagen was only by plane, no trains, buses or roads could get you there. On arrival, there was lush vegetation surrounded by traditional farming crops and there were no conveyer belts or air conditioning in sight, just an open luggage trolley that invites a “free for all” rush and grab. True PNG styles and I loved it.
Stepping out of customs (an old wooden door) we were picked up by our hosts and greeted by a sea of Black faces and small fluffy afros. This reinforced that like NZ I was part of the minority again and stood out like a sore thumb.
After settling in, our hosts took us to our first meeting. This was at the PNG Christian Centre, an open warehouse building with concrete floors lined with a blue tapolen. Women sat on the ground to the left side, and the men on chairs to the right. Communication and cultural understanding would be the key for me to teach music theory and vocal training.
I found the differences in music quite extreme to what I was used to, particularly in melody and harmony. With Samoans, I was always use to the natural harmonies and large choirs which was fine tuned through discipline and practice from the ta’ita’i pese. Whereas in Mt Hagen, all music was predominantly sung by men. Harmonies were non-existent and women singers provided an echo or chant while the men sung. I was accustomed to natural rhythm from the drums and Sasa dances, kept in time by the fuataimi. Naturally we’d sing on beat 2 & 4 but here in Mt Hagen, it was beat 1 & 3, a different rhythm without any syncopation.
My first music rehearsal with the musicians was unique. Fortunately we could both understand English, (in PNG there are over 850 indigenous languages.) The church band was cautious at first; I was a young woman teaching a group of men, in a setting where women had minimal participation in music, let alone a leadership role.
But it never ceases to amaze me how music can break down barriers and cultural divides. They respected me as a musician and were receptive to exploring new alternatives to their usual musical style. And I learnt that the love of music transcends all cultural and communication differences. So despite the numerous power cuts, a new outlook on “Island time” (makes our island time EARLY) and overcrowded food markets, I ended my 10 day visit with plenty of laughs, an appreciation of cultural diversity and an understanding that although my original assumption of familiarity was some what off the mark, its ok to be different.
Sara-Jane Auva'a gets Married:
April 21 2007 marked the special wedding day for Sara-Jane. She met her husband Ralph at Law School and the couple have been together for 5 years. Over 300 people celebrated with Ralph and Sara-Jane on their special day.
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Passing on Knowledge.
Spasifik Magazine Issue 18- 2007 -pg 31.
The Diploma of Creative Enterprise run by MAINZ is designed to arm people with the necessary business skills to help realise their dreams in the creative industries. And it helps to have a model of success such as Polynesian diva Sara-Jane Auva’a sharing her knowledge, writes PETER REES
Behind the silky voice of Sara-Jane Auva’a is a focused and goal oriented young woman. Everyone knows her talent as one of New Zealand’s leading Polynesian divas, but the real secret behind her success in the music industry is her entrepreneurial skill and reputation for being an astute organiser. She’s a qualified lawyer, a programme manager at TVNZ and a director of her own entertainment company. She’s also helping others realise their dreams as a lecturer for the Diploma of Creative Enterprise at the Music and Audio Institute of New Zealand (MAINZ). It is the first academic programme of its kind to provide practical business skills to people wanting to establish a business in the creative industries. “It is an excellent way to manage your business if you are developing a company and want to get started in the industry,” says the 24 year-old singer of European and Samoan (Tulaele, Vailoa, Tiavea) descent. “One of the course’s strengths is the opportunity to interact with current musicians as well as having a mentor actively taking part in the music business.” Auva’a says the focus of the course content she teaches is Professional Communication, covering presentation, negotiation and mediation skills; Professional Ethics and case studies covering the music industry internally and what courts are ruling in current case law; as well as Health and Safety issues surrounding the music business relating to contractors, volunteers and events at mobile locations. “I would recommend the course to anyone who has a passion for music and would like to create a successful business,” she says. “Bouncing ideas off other people who are as keen as you are about music in New Zealand helps to keep you focused and to learn from others experiences. I like to provide a relaxed atmosphere where it is an open environment encouraging much discussion.” Sara-Jane released her latest CD last November, a Jazz inspired Christmas compilation which was her first album in almost two years. After a whirlwind rise to fame from 2003-2005, highlighted by successes at both the New Zealand Music and Pacific Music awards and her successful debut album Sara Jane in 2004, she took on a new challenge this year. She has been working with Television New Zealand since April as production manager for Sunday, 20/20 and Fair Go. Graduating with a double law/arts degree from Auckland University in early 2005, you would think she belongs in a courtroom. But she tells SPASIFIK she has found her niche working in the media. Sara Jane juggles other musical and community based projects at the same time.In late 2005, she toured the United States, visiting eight states and solidifying her fan base there. "Pacific music from New Zealand is very popular over there," she adds. Sara-Jane’s plans for 2007 include working on several new albums, including a Samoan language album and a more "mainstream sound" which is set to unveil a new look Sara Jane. "Born and raised in South Auckland", she attended Rosehill and St Cuthberts college before getting her big break with Pacific Soul.
NZ Idol or Brown Idol.
Spasifik Magazine Issue 18- 2007 -pg 31.
Award winning diva, Sara-Jane Auva’a, believes the traditional pathway better equips aspiring singers to handle the demands of the music industry. And she argues that being fasttracked to fame without putting in the hard
yards can backfire just as quickly. “(People) that go the traditional route will
experience a tougher ride but in the long term gain more credibility,” Auva’a tells SPASIFIK. “Those that love and have chosen to pursue music will do so, with or without a television programme. Entering NZ Idol is definitely a faster path to fame, if you have the talent, but it is also a faster exit from the public eye and publicity. You will always be rated on the conditions of those around you and the voting
public.” The 24 year-old Samoan/European says she wouldn't have entered NZ Idol if given the
chance. “The idol competition may help my career but I would do music regardless,” she adds.
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www.youtube.com/sarajaneauvaa
www.myspace.com/sarajaneauvaa
Tune in Every Sunday morning for the ‘Urban Gospel Radio Show’ 531pi am. (New Zealand, Australia, America) Co-host with Tony Fuemana
Sara-Jane is currently Production Manger on the News and Current Affairs Programmes ,20/20 & Sunday.
Project Manager for “Big Bling HipHop Party” Parachute Festival 2006.
Successful Launch Christmas Album
- Sara Jane December 2006
New Zealand Music Artist and Tui award winner “Sara-Jane” is set to release her limited edition album “Merry Christmas” in November. Sara-Jane captivated the hearts of her fans with the debut album “Sara-Jane” mixing Pacific Rhythms with R’n’B grooves giving her a nomination for Best Solo Artist at the Juice Music Video Awards (2004) and claiming the award Best Pacific Female Artist at the NZ Pacific Music awards (2005).
“I’ve always wanted to create a classic Christmas album. These carol songs are recorded with a talented live band and really bring forth the Soul/Jazz/Gospel feel I wanted to create.”
Teaming up with well known producer and director Tony Fuemana (Urban Pacifka Records) this limited edition is set to draw huge interest with music lovers of all tastes.
Video clips “Go Tell it on the Mountain” and “Hark the Herald” will be on air early November and will be the first time New Zealand viewers’ experience New Zealand made arrangements of classic Christmas carols. Her album also includes some of the greats such as “Oh Holy Night”, “Joy to the World” and “Have your self a Merry Christmas”.
Star-studded line-up announced for Pasifika Festival 2006
Auckland City is proud to announce a star-studded line-up for the 2006 Pasifika Festival that features a mix of hot headline acts and budding future stars handpicked from the Expressions Pasifika auditions held last November. The free Air New Zealand Opening Night Concert will be held on Friday 10 March from 7.30pm to 9.30pm at Western Springs Stadium and promises a snapshot of some of the festival's hottest performers. It will showcase the vast array of Pasifika traditional dance and contemporary song, while also having an emphasis on the cultural roots of some of the Pacific Islands involved with the festival. The line-up of entertainers confirmed for this concert includes: ….
Sara-Jane Auva'a - winner of 'Best Female Pacific Artist" at the 2005 Pacific Music Awards and hugely popular Pasifika Festival performer. Sara-Jane has a new Pacific sound that fuses R'n'B, hip hop and classic Pacific Island rhythm. She has recently returned from a successful tour of the United States
16 NOVEMBER- 15 DECEMBER 2005
SARA-JANE will be in the USA from the 16 NOVEMBER- 15 DECEMBER 2005 CHECK EVENTS PAGE for your closest CONCERT!!!
THE SATURDAY OBSERVER
01/01/05
NOW SARA JANE AUVA’A, LAWYER
Sara-Jane Auva’a has two great reasons to celebrate 2004 in Samoa. She has had an exciting year in the entertainment business topped, she says, by performing at “The Rock” benefit at the National University of Samoa, and she has completed her law degree at Auckland University. “It was just the ultimate dream, unbelievable”, she said of the opportunity to perform at The Rock Fundraiser…
her double degree, a BA in Music and an LLB is the first of its kind, she said.
However the young singer is adamant that her law degree- specializing in entertainment law- has helped her reach her dream, it will allow her to concentrate on music for the next few years.
She has also taken over the management of her company, ‘Sara-Jane Limited’.
“It was a big step but it allows me to make the decisions about the work I do,” she said.
For now, her interests lie in inspiring youth, particularly in urban areas to use education to achieve their goals.
SPEAKING
Motivational speaking under a programme funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs has enabled her to get the message out about the importance of tertiary education beyond her home base of Auckland to Pacific You in the Wellington and Christchurch areas.
She is also doing some work, “teaching them to read music,” with 11-13 year old pupils at low-decile schools, funded by the New Zealand Music Commission.
The year 2004 has had other highlights.
She featured in two video clips, “You Are”, a slow ballad and “Bounce to It”, a club dance number. The latter was nominated for the category of “Best Solo Artist video clip” in the Juice TV music awards.
Performing a duet of “Silent Night with younger sister Latafale in front of 200,000 people at “Christmas in the Park” was also a highlight, she said…And 2005 is shaping up to be an even better. In January she will be taking par in a ‘massive Christian festival in Hamilton called “Parachute”…meanwhile, she is enjoying the beaches –“we’ve been to seven different beaches”, relaxing with her family at Vaiala Beach Cottage and catching up with her grandmother…
THE NEW ZEALAND HERALD
11/03/05
A NOVEL COMMENDATION
Sara-Jane Auva'a, one of Pasifika's performers, gets a special mention in a novel by Samoa's deputy PM, Misa Telefoni Retzlaff. In Love and Money, Sara-Jane, who released her debut solo album in March last year, is described as "a popular Samoan lady singer" who sings at the wedding of the hero and heroine. Ms Auva'a, laughing, says she is flattered.
SCOOPE, Independent News, New Zealand
14/03/05
PRESS RELEASE: PASIFIKA FESTIVAL
The C4 Best Pacific Female Artist for music released in 2004 is Sara-Jane Auva’a for her self-titled album Sara-Jane. The former Pacific Soul member has led a diverse singing career from Pacific Island groups to international jazz performances. As a member of Pacific Soul, Sara-Jane won a Tui for Best Pacific Album at the 2003 NZ Music Awards.
SOUTH PASIFIK ISLAND, spimag.com
16/03/05
PASIFIKA 2005
…This year’s festival opened with a night of entertainment sparked by a spectacular duet sung by the stunning Sara-Jane Auva’a (formerly of Pacific Soul) and Tongan opera singer Ben Makisi, followed by dazzling performances by Samoan dance troupe ‘Pacific Expressions’…
THE WEEKEND SUN: -Tauranga, NZ
15/10/04
AWARD WINNING SINGER CELEBRATES DIVERSITY
Pacific Singer Sara-Jane Auva'a will be the star performer at the Welcome Bay community day…the 22 year old Samoan-European released her first solo album earlier this year and is promising an evening of contemporary Pacific music as part of the inaugural Ra Whakangahau…Sara-Jane sings in both Samoan and English using traditional Pacific Rhythms, hip hop, r n b reggae and pop…organisers say Sara-Jane was the [best] choice to celebrate the cultural diversity of the community….
CENTRAL LEADER
13/10/04
SCHOOL SINGS SCHEME'S PRAISES
….[A new initiative music program, the] New Zealand Musicians Mentoring in Schools Program…assigns musicians and performers to support year 7-13 pupils with music making…mentor Sara-Jane Auva'a..has been an outstanding mentor for the school. students…“she encourages the children to use their potential and unleash the talent and skill they have”…
AUCKLAND CITY HARBOUR NEWS
13/10/04
STUDENTS SCORE INSPRIATIONAL MUSIC MENTOR
….music mentor Sara-Jane Auva'a has featured in a number of Pacific Island groups, is a proficient jazz performer and recently released her solo album titled “Sara-Jane”…[Local school Principle comments] “we have a large number of Pacific Island students..Sara-Jane has been a wonderful role model…she's so willing to share her gift…Sara-Jane's sessions have included learning to compose songs, incorporating rap and dances, using instruments to enhance music, and using the voice as an instrument… DOMINION POST-NZPA
19/07/04
AUVA'A HAS GOLDEN VOICE OF HER OWN
….The second support act, Auckland' s Sara Auva'a was the surprise highlight of the evening- mixing a difficult repertoire of soul, jazz and blues, including tow brilliant renditions of Alicia Keyes songs.
Auva'a has one of those voices that makes you wish you could sing-the beauty matches even the most pristine seas views…..
THE LEADER
15/07/04
…the other warm-up artist for Golden Horse will be Sara Auva'a, a rhythm and blues singer from Auckland…Nelson School of Music Director David Naylor says [is part of] the Artistry [and group Pacific Soul] which won a 2003 Tui Award… “She's a great singer. I reckon she will be the New Zealand 's next Mavis Rivers,”….
TIME OUT-Weekend Herald
10/07/2004
Eyeful-Lets get Pacific
Sara-Jane Auva'a has a chuckle as unruly as her ringlets, a voice as smooth as sand and an ambition that's just a gritty. She is a “happy, laughy, Pacific person” who doesn't work on Island Time, a singer, law student and 2003 Tui Award Winner (with her Group Pacific Soul). This year she took a risk and recorded half her solo debut album Sara-Jane in Samoa . It's a soulful collision of traditional Pacific Rhythms, three part harmonies, hip/hop, r n b, reggae and pop. "I know who I am as a New Zealander,” says the 22 year old Samoan European. “ I just wanted to go back to Samoa to find my true roots and where the music's at. It was the best decision I've ever made.”
APPRA- New Zealand Publication July 2004
…Music month was the busiest ever. Among the hundreds of events and happenings were live music in the libraries, the famous RBA Showcase and schools tours. Picture 7 Sara-Jane Auva'a….
….The independent top 20music chart May 2004: The chart in the last 12 months has included artists as diverse as Katchafire and Sara-Jane Auva'a (number 4)
New Zealand Musician Vol.11 No.6 June/July 2004
FRESH CUT- NZ Releases on Vinyl and Compact Disk
Recent musical developments have brought to popular attention music that is strongly contemporary, yet unashamedly acknowledging the cultural roots of the artist. “Sara-Jane” is just such an album, with a collection of songs best described as Samoan hip/hop/pop. The Album recorded in Auckland and Apia , kicks of with a track that is a medley of traditional Samoan Songs given a thoroughly contemporary treatment. Some songs are sung in Samoa with the English translation printed for the benefit of a Palagi like me. Other tracks are performed in English and should fell perfectly at home on mainstream radio. Sara-Jane strikes me as a stand proud sort of performer. Proud of her heritage and faith, with a flavor that is very Samoan, yet with an appeal that shouldn't limit her to one market. The real star of the album is her vocals, ably supported by the sort of harmonies that make Samoan choirs such an awesome experience. A quick addition is the DJ-talking-to-callers-interlude that shamelessly promotes the arts, but with enough tongue and check from keeping it being crass. I'm sure we'll be hearing more from Sara-Jane.
CLEO
New Zealand May 2004
Kiwi Music Mania
FACT FILE
Who is she?
Sara-Jane is a 21 year old R n B singer of Samoan Descent. She is one switched on Chick- studying for two degrees at the same time (Music and Law).
What's the story?
Sara-Jane has been singing for as long as she has been able to talk. She has performed with many pacific island groups including Pacific Soul who eon best Pacific Island Album at the 2003 New Zealand Music Awards and Best Polynesian Album at the Hawaiian Music Awards. She doesn't just focus on R n B-Sara-Jane has sung at the famous Monterey Jazz Festival in California by invitation-she's that good! She performed at Christmas in the Park 2002 in front of 200,00 people. Currently she is part of The Artistry, another Pacific R n B group.
What's happening Now?
Her first album [Sara-Jane] has just been released and features Pacific Pop and R n B sounds in Samoan and English/ She recorded the album in Samoa and New Zealand .
RIP IT UP magazine
April/May 2004
Sara-Jane Auva'a. A Samoan singing for her generation
Sara-Jane Auva'a has been up all night. She just drinks water today. No coffee or peppermint needed- putting her final touches to her debut album in the wee small hours of the morning is excitement enough. It's quite a unique album, with traditional Samoan songs and language mixed with mainstream radio friendly tunes. Some of the album entitled Sara-Jane , was produced in New Zealand by Keith Millbank of Birdland Studios and the remainder was recorded in Samoa by Samoan Producer Victor Keil of Keila records. You wouldn't even know there was a recording studio in Samoa ? “exactly”,- she says “and I was really impressed with the technology. And being in Samoa [to record the Album] really caught the whole vibe”. She has been back to Samoa many times and her Grandmother has a house there, but she was brought up more influenced by her mothers side and its only been in the last six years that she's discovered her Samoan roots. “I've chosen to go back to my roots and I'm making an attempt at singing these songs for my generation-and a lot of my generation don't know the language-it's like bridging two cultures. I mean, I can't speak Samoan fluently, but what I do sing I make sure it's as good as it can be. Its quite a poetic language and if you get the wrong vowels then you get a different word. “It's a contemporary Pacific sound. I know there are a lot of record labels that label it Polynesian soul, Pacific R n B, but I think what I've done is true to the name. Contemporary Pacific Music. It is really different.”
Auva'a who is part of the group The Artistry who also have an album due this year- hopes to take Pacific Music to a more professional level. “Cause a lot of people are on Island Time, they turn up late or don't turn up at all. Sometimes is too laid back”, she laughs.
New Zealand Musician
Vol.11 No.5 April/May 2004
Sara-Jane Auva'a
…is aiming for the top. It's her dream to be Pacific music's answer to Alicia Keys and for young Woman with her drive and determinati0n and range of talents it just may happen. The 22-year-old Auckland Student is juggling her final year of law school with the release of her first solo album Sara Jane . The half-Samoan half-European singer has made the most of both her backgrounds on the album, the genre of which she classifies as Pacific Pop/
“The Album is a mixture of pacific island tracks and tracks I've written and tracks friends of mine has written”, says Sara-Jane.
The Samoan tracks which makeup half the album were all recorded in Samoa and the other half in New Zealand Sara-Jane had worked with producer Victor Keil in the past here in NZ and like what he did. He moved to Samoa so she decided to head over there to work with him in Kelia Records in Apia . Keith Millbank produced the balance 9of the album at Birdland Productions in Auckland along with Sara-Jane herself.
“I think doing half the album in Samoa has been a bridging gap between the people living in NZ and the people back homey Samoan heritage is fundamental to myself and this album. The Samoan Culture is a very rich deep culture and there is a lot of ins and outs to it that make it the way it is.”
The Samoan recording meant that she has been back to Samoa several times in the last 6 months, ad this may explain the albums funky cool, yet soulful feel.
Sara-Jane has high goals, not just for herself, but for the album for which she received funding assistance from creative NZ and the Pacific Business Trust.
As a Jazz artist, Sara-Jane has performed at the Sydney International Jazz festival sd well as the renowned Monterey Jazz festival in the states. At the APRA Silver Scroll awards in 2002 she sang Che Fu's Misty Frequencies and the same year was second runner up in the Miss Samoa NZ Pageant….
JET Magazine
Volume 3 # 4 April 2004
..forget New Zealand Idol- instead tune into the soulful sounds of Sara- Jane Auva'a. As well as being a Pacific Pop Princess, with a recently released album, she is also studying music and law at Auckland University . “Law is a viable career in the cut throat music industry, where negotiating a contract is as important as singing well..”
The New Zealand Herald
10/03/04
The Performers Pacifica Festival
Is Pacific Music and Culture recognized enough in NZ?
Yes it is recognized. Now is the time that Pacific Music is on the rise but it should be recognized even more and not just among Pacific but all music lovers.
How has Pacific Culture influenced your music?
In the melodies, harmonies, instruments, the laid back feel of the music and music that makes you want to laugh and dance.
CD REVIEWS
Spasifik Magazine
May/June 2004
Pg34
The work from Sara-Jane Auva'a (formerly of Pacific Soul) is another fine contribution to the current development of the Nesian style of Polynesian performers. By that I mean the incorporation of Afro-American influences to the traditional songs and values, a pop sound that in no way tarnishes the original soul of who and what you are. In Sara-Jane's case it is the Samoan thread that holds it all together. The first cut, Togi E , is a medley of traditional songs linked by the groove of R&B, producing a very funky sound. The track Bounz To It slinks with a beat that talks about the connection between the “pacific and the dirty south”, meaning Polynesia and South Auckland, but originally an expression used by American rappers denoting the states of Atlanta and Georgia . Just one example of how we now freely make these American cultural links. Of course, the album doesn't become mired in all these references; it has too much variety and style for that.
There are the big ballads of Stay and You Are , the religious plea of Help Me , vocal interplay with Vital Status on the cute Starlight Wishes and my favourites, the traditional beauty of Samoa Matalasi and Leafaitulagi .
An excellent album from Sara-Jane who also produces a lot of the tracks. An achievement in every way.
New Zealand Musician
June/July 2004
Pg 45
Recent musical developments have brought to popular attention music that is strongly contemporary, but unashamedly acknowledges the cultural roots of the artist. Sara Jane is such an album, with a collection of songs best described as Samoan hip hop/pop. The album, recorded in Auckland and Apia , kicks off with a track that is a medley of traditional Samoan songs given the thoroughly contemporary treatment. Some songs are sung in Samoan, fortunately with the English translation printed for the benefit of a palagi like me. Other tracks are performed in English, and should feel perfectly at home on mainstream radio. Sara Jane strikes me as a stand proud sort of performer. Proud of her heritage and faith, with a flavour that is very Samoan, yet with an appeal that shouldn't limit her to one cultural market. The real star of this album is her vocals, ably supported by the sort of harmonies that make Samoan choirs such an awesome experience. A quirky addition is the DJ-talking-to callers interlude that shamelessly promotes the artist, but with enough tongue-in-cheek to keep it from being crass. I'm sure we'll be hearing more from Sara-Jane.
Other articles
Spasifik Magazine
Issue 1
April/May 2004
pg 9
From Soul to Solo
The Aucklander
10/03/04
pg 16
Singer Fulfills Dreams |
