“Performing is more than just me standing up and singing a song in front of people; it is a chance for me to share a vision and a mission,” says Tonga’s Mia Kami.
Kami’s original songs are full of meaning, delivered in her warm, effortless voice.
A student at the University of the South Pacific, an activist and a musician, Kami is passionate about indigenous knowledge, climate activism and decolonising the mind.
Kami, who currently calls Fiji home, says her zest and inspiration for music and activism, comes from her father, Taholo, himself a well-known climate, oceans and community activist.
“He taught me my first chords on the guitar, he always encouraged me to sing for people and to keep writing songs. We also share similar passions, so we have these big discussions together. Although, not always in agreement, they’re still great discussions nonetheless!”
“It was those discussions that helped develop my interest in using music as a means of sharing how I felt about certain issues.”
“My dad would always tell me to sing at his meetings and I’d have to find songs about change or hope or anything that would fit the theme of the meeting,” says Kami. “As I started getting into songwriting, I realised I could actually write my own songs about change!”
Kami says that she sees music, and art in general, as a beautiful way to shed light on issues.
Login to your account or subscribe today to read on.