Renowned musical director empowers Pacific youth to unlock potential through performance

Malaga – The Journey is a choreographed, choral celebration that uses music and movement to harness a universal narrative of life’s journey, conveying that despite challenges in life, people can and will overcome as one.

The performance features the talents of more than 30 students from schools across Porirua and the wider community and is being delivered under the guidance of musical director and Associate Dean Pacific Dr Igelese Ete, known for his notable contributions to projects like Moana and The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of The Ring. Students were encouraged to join the production by needing only passion and dedication to give their best, which has seen them dedicate an average of five hours a week and plenty of energy to perfect their performance.

Malaga is designed as a holistic programme, where students engage in rehearsals alongside workshops and mentoring, which supports them in building a stronger future through a stronger self. By inviting Pacific students and recent graduates of Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University to provide mentorship, Dr Ete says it empowers the younger generations to see what is available to them.

“We continue to see Pacific students in previous years finish up with strengthened identities and a growth of confidence which is crucial for helping motivate them to make goals and plan for their future. By introducing high school students to a university environment and helping to develop their individual identities, this programme is a real tool for transformation. It also creates a positive cycle as I’ve seen many students be transformed and go on to become leaders in their own pathways, before coming back to inspire the next generation.”

Dr Ete says the production pays tribute to past generations.

“It focuses on navigational journeys, exploring traditional knowledge and how amazing our ancestors were in building the wakas and canoes, the intelligence it took alongside the courage to venture into the largest ocean in the world. For our young Pacific people to hear those stories is really inspiring. This is why storytelling can be so powerful, especially when you add music as it brings a new dimension and emotional connection.”

The musical event is the most recent iteration of the transformational programme, which began in 1998 as part of a wider project led by Dr Ete. The underlying missive of the programme is to utilise the Pacific creative and performing arts to create positive images of young Pacific people and encourage students to move beyond stereotypes to understand their history.

“Through this work, a lot of cast members realise what their parents and grandparents and ancestors sacrificed for them to journey across the islands to be here, allowing them knowledge and the opportunity to pay tribute. When they come to understand their roots, where they come from and what their parents have done for them, it brings forward self-worth and taps into an inspirational aspect to dream big and act upon it.

“It also allows students to become contributors and leaders in creative practice. Through using cultural capital in arts-based activities, it provides them opportunity for expression of personal strengths and instils the self-belief that motivation and determination can lead to success in any field,” Dr Ete says.

Dr Ete says his own experiences and witnessing the influence Pacific creative and performing arts has in transforming lives is his motivation to continue this work.

“Having migrated to Aotearoa from Samoa when I was seven, I came through an education system fraught with disparities, racism and inequalities that continue to impact negatively on our Pacific and Māori students. Through many years of teaching diverse groups across Aotearoa, I have seen how music can impact students, particularly Pacific students, to be inspired, empowered and uplifted.”

The current project is backed by a strong collaboration between Pacific and Māori researchers and academic staff from Te Ranga Tai Kura (Māori and Pacific Arts Development Team) at Toi Rauwhārangi College of Creative Arts.

It is Dr Ete’s ambition to use the strength of collaboration to see this work become an annual event beyond Aotearoa’s shores.

“I hope to see this creative work build to be showcased nationally and then eventually, on an international level. The project uses Pacific musical composition, solo vocalists, choral and choreographed movements with orchestral musicians that leans heavily into Pacific knowledge and studies. This is complimented by costuming textile and wardrobe design expertise, and artists who specialise in spatial, light and audio-visual technologies which can incorporate blended physical and digital spaces as modes of presentation.”

Plans are currently in motion to take the production to Los Angles. By tapping into his connections in the film and music industry, including the likes of Lin-Manuel Miranda and Mark Mancina, Dr Ete hopes to bring the power of Pacific music and culture to the big screen, while still maintaining the connections and the community fostered in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Dr Ete says the musical event is one not to miss.

“I really encourage the community to come along because they will see their people on stage celebrating who we are and what we do. It’s a real inspiring, uplifting and powerful performance, which is a celebration of Porirua and us. You will walk away inspired by these amazing young people.”

Malaga – The Journey is a free community event that will take place on Sunday 3 December from 6-8pm at Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua, Wellington. Secure your tickets now through EventBrite here.