The last day of the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) gathering on Bau Island was filled with vibrant colors as the people of Ono-i-Lau displayed their entertaining performances.
Men and Women of Ono-i-Lau performed the Lakalaka dance on Bau Island. Photos: Leon Lord
The last day of the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) gathering on Bau Island was filled with vibrant colors as the people of Ono-i-Lau displayed their entertaining performances.
The men and women gracefully swayed to the music, performing the traditional dance known as lakalaka.
Inoke Luveni, the choreographer of the lakalaka, said they presented two songs during their performance.
“The two lakalaka pieces depict the historical relationship between Ono-i-Lau and Bau, and how the first settlers arrived on Ono-i- Lau,” Mr Luveni said.
“We arrived with a group of more than 300 people to perform, and I am delighted to see how the audience thoroughly enjoyed themselves. They even joined in swaying with our dancers, creating a captivating sight.”
Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to perform on the chiefly island, Mr Luveni mentioned that it was the first time for most of them to visit Bau, and they were uncertain if they would have such an opportunity again.
Mr Luveni highlighted that they included a lakalaka performed in the Tongan language.
“These songs that we chose to perform are not commonly used, which is why I selected them. Both songs carry deep meanings,” he said.
“All performers are from Ono-i-Lau, and some even traveled from the western part of Fiji and overseas to join us. We practised for a month, and I am pleased with the successful execution of the lakalaka.”
Ono-i-Lau was the only group to perform on the final day before the solevu ceremony.
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