Drumming Our Way to Tahiti

Our team of Tahitian drummers has been invited to take part in the second Siva Afi Tahiti Competition in Tahiti and the Matari'i i Ni'a Celebration in Raʻiātea from November 18-30, 2025. We were asked to help and participate because of our skills, knowledge, and connections within our cultural community. Going to these events will give us a great opportunity to strengthen our cultural ties, share our music with a wider audience, and inspire others, especially the younger generation. 

We’re seeking funding and support to help us train, practice, and prepare for this journey so we can proudly represent our Tahitian heritage and bring the spirit of Aroha to these important celebrations.

Our journey began at the Ori Tahiti with the Ahuuranui Family Showcase in 2020, where a group of husbands and partners started a conversation about drumming together in the near future. In December 2022, the Air Tahiti Nui General Manager reached out to the School Director to arrange an authentic Tahiti performance featuring live drumming, set for March 2023. 

In early January 2023, we started rehearsing with close friends and partners, including 4 husbands and 3 wives, sharing knowledge and supporting each other's growth. Since then, we have expanded our group to include additional 5 core drummers strengthening our collective practice and cultural expression.

We’re raising money to help us keep our Tahitian culture alive through drumming, and sharing with others. We want to be open about where the money goes, so here’s a quick rundown:

• Costumes and outfits: To buy or fix up our traditional clothes.
• Instruments and gear: Drums, ukuleles, and other stuff we need for performances.
• Travel costs: Flight tickets and other transport costs.
• Practice space: Renting or keeping a spot to practice regularly.
• Training: Paying for experts or special classes to help us get better.

Thanks for helping us keep our culture strong and alive!

We were first invited by the event organizers of the Siva Afi Tahiti Competition and the Matariki i Ni’a Community Organisers, to join and help them.

What we’re doing:

• We practice every Monday and Tuesday to get better and stay connected to our roots.
• We perform at local events, festivals, and community gatherings to show everyone what Tahitian culture is about.
• We’re also working on workshops to teach others about our traditions and why they’re important.
• We’re always learning and growing as a team, and we love bringing new people into the mix to help keep our traditions going.

Why we’re doing it:

• We want to keep our culture alive for ourselves and for future generations.
• Sharing our traditions helps build pride and a stronger community.
• It’s another way to help others learn about and appreciate Tahitian culture.
• For us personally, it’s a way to connect with our roots, have fun, and build friendships.

It’s more than just drumming — it’s about celebrating our culture, teaching others especially the younger generation, and having a good time together.

Traveling from New Zealand to Tahiti gives us the chance to showcase our traditions on a bigger stage, helping others learn about and appreciate our culture.

Our community should support us because this opportunity recognizes our skills, dedication, and hard work. It also helps strengthen the bond between New Zealand and Tahiti, encouraging connections and mutual understanding through our shared heritage.

By taking part in these big events, we get to perform, learn, and grow — gaining experience and exposure that can help us improve and shine even more. It’s a proud moment for our community that can inspire others, especially young people, to connect with their roots and pursue their passions in arts and performance.

Supporting us also helps raise awareness of Tahitian culture both here in New Zealand and abroad. We become cultural ambassadors, spreading appreciation and understanding of our traditions. Overall, it’s about helping keep our culture alive, sharing it with others, and making sure it continues to thrive for generations to come.