Story Archive
Fest’Napuan
26 Roots’ debut in Port Vila!
When 26 Roots, of Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu, won Radio Australia’s 2008 Pacific Break competition, their prize was to travel to Port Vila to play on stage at Fest’Napuan. Here they are, a perhaps unsurprisingly popular hit, closing their set with ’26 Street’. Their opening notes inspired a bit of a rush toward the stage, perhaps because many from Santo came along to the festival to see them. They were most definitely responsible for a lot of swaying hips and shoulders!
Fest’Napuan in full swing
After gentler (though still energetic) beginnings with the Fest’Nalenga string band night on Wednesday, Fest’Napuan 2008 has picked up the tempo a little with its program of pop and reggae music. Showcasing performers from various ends of the Pacific, last night’s proceedings included bands from the Solomon Islands, New Caledonia and New Zealand, with entertainment between sets provided by young dance groups and comedians.
A glimpse of Fest’Nalenga
Last night, we were lucky enough to see a handful of string bands playing at Fest’Nalenga. We hope you enjoy this snapshot of the Torotua String Band live on stage!
Fest’Napuan 2008 begins
Fest’Napuan 2008 has now officially begun, with the local string band night – Fest’Nalenga – kicking off proceedings. This is typically a more family-oriented event (though the organisers stress that they encourage the same atmosphere for the entire festival), with groups showcasing their take on the traditional string band music that’s been enjoying a resurgence in the last decade or so.
Checking in: Vanuatu
The Pacific Break team arrived here in Port Vila late on Sunday night, after a handful of i delays – perhaps our first introduction to ‘Vanuatu time’ during this trip. The moment we crossed the tarmac and walked into the airport building, we were greeted by the Mangawiarua String Band, who are one of Vanuatu’s veteran groups (having originated as part of the renowned band Sawia two decades ago). Not five minutes in Vanuatu, and we’ve already heard one of their most experienced local bands. Not bad!
@pacbreak on Twitter
- Pacific Break is back for 2012! Find out how to enter: http://t.co/kRMKd5Aw
- We're back! And this year, we have a brand new prize. What do you think? http://t.co/Y8xOseQ2
- Happy International Jazz Day! (that's every day for jazz lovers) http://t.co/DgrlWrrI
- KaneJazz- Michel Benebig marries Kaneka music with contemporary jazz: http://t.co/UFDDQKcS
- RT @rapacific: Journey Through The Stains: performance art from Papua New Guinea http://t.co/lLnBajtY
