Page 37 - Islands Business June 2023

Culture Culture

YOYO TUKI - PROUD CULTURAL AMBASSADOR OF RAPA NUI

history with its innovative arrangements and unique, finely “I’m actually going back to my roots,” he says.
crafted songs and chants. It is still played widely. “I’m moving between reggae and folk, but I’m also bringing
“I think my music is very much within my island self but back more of the traditional music as well. I’m using ukuleles.
also very unique,” says Tuki. “I hold onto traditional elements I haven’t got a name for it yet. I’m using traditional instru-
and language, but I also embrace a wide array of contempo- ments and traditional language. I’m bringing in natures from
rary influences. I play traditional, but I can also play in a full the lifestyle, people talking, the landscapes, the ocean as
reggae band, or folk pop. I enjoy moving between both. It is well.”
important for me to maintain my heritage and also the music He reflects on the challenges of being a cultural ambassa-
from home. I enjoy exploring contemporary music, as well dor. “I am not a mainstream pop musician selling mainstream
live in the contemporary times today.” songs. I’m a musician but I’m also a cultural person. The hard-
More recently, he has collaborated with Small Island Big est part has been remaining true to myself and keep moving
Song on Ka Va’ Ai Mai Koe. forward with my true music, my essence from where I am
“The project(s) with Small Island Big Song is one that unites from, and the message of my people and staying true to that.
indigenous, Austronesian artists and culture historians from That is something I have discussed with all the cultural artists
the Pacific and the Indian Ocean,” says Tuki. “It’s a power- that I have met on the road. They are all on the same journey,
ful project that brings together this family of Austronesian they all struggle because we are a minority, and we are rare.
people, sharing through music and ancient knowledge. I’ve We are custodians, we are the last custodians of the remote
been lucky enough to be one of the main artists of the proj- and endangered cultures. We all face that. We are not going
ect. I’ve been involved with them for several years. I’ve done to make millions of dollars. We are not going to become rock
some of my songs with them and toured the world three times stars because we are choosing to be who we are and maintain
with them.” our precious heritage.”
Now Tuki is working on a new album.

Islands Business, June 2023 37