Kalaga'la

As part of the “New Caledonia New Zealand Season 2007”, Pacific Roots band Kalaga'la performs at Te Matatini, Cuba Street Carnival, Te Papa Tongarewa, Pasifika Festival, Auckland Festival AK07, Southern Lakes Festival of Colour, and in Dunedin with local 12-man roots/reggae band Koile.

The distinctive Pacific Roots sound of Kalaga'la originated in the French Territories of Wallis and Futuna. Kalaga'la's rich musical style incorporates contemporary Polynesian folk music with Kanéka beats and rhythms, and rhythmically decodes Pacific Island style, culture and identity. There are also Melanesian influences in the music, coming directly from the musicians themselves, who blend their own Kanéka beats and rhythms.

Formed in 1999, Kalaga'la's original members, Patrice Kaikilekofe and Auto Lami, were joined by Patricia Gatuhau in 2001. The word Kalaga'la is from the Uvean (Wallis and Futuna) language and means "calling" – to the Kalaga'la band members the call is for unity among the Polynesian and Melanesian communities.

Booking details for Kalaga'la

Saturday 10 March – 11:05am, Radio 531PI Cultural Stage, Pasifika Festival, Western Springs, Auckland.

Sunday 11 March – 7:30pm, Red Square@Britomart, Auckland (part of Auckland Festival AK07). Tickets $25-$35. Bookings (09) 970 9700 or www.ticketmaster.co.nz.

Thursday 26 April - 8:30pm, Infinity Crystal Palace, Wanaka (part of Southern Lakes Festival of Colour). Tickets $28 (plus booking fee). Bookings through Ticketek nationwide www.ticketek.co.nz.

Friday 27 April - 9:00pm, The Oriental (aka The Ori), Dunedin 

Interviews with Patrice Kaikilekofe from Kalaga'la

Radio NZ- Arts on Sunday

Radio Australia- In the Loop

Kalaga'la CDs

Kalaga'la CDs are available from O'KAI OCEANIKART, Corner Karangahape Road and Symond Street, Auckland, phone (09) 638 5502. Open seven days a week, from 11am to 8pm.

Kalaga'la images