Friendly islands fusion : a reimagination of Tongan musical traditions : an exegesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Commercial Music at Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand. EMBARGOED until 19th September 2028

Abstract

Puleʻanga Fakatuʻi ʻo Tonga (Kingdom of Tonga) has a rich musical history that is deeply embedded in its cultural identity. Music plays a central role in fostering social cohesion in Tongan culture through its intrinsic relationship with important cultural practices such as lotu (spirituality, faith, church, prayer), ta‘anga (poetry) and haka (dance). Although Tongan musical traditions are well established and widely understood within Tongan communities, academic musical analysis of certain traditions—particularly their accompanying instrumental practices—remains limited. This practice-led research is guided by the Kakala Research Framework, grounded in Tongan epistemologies, to reimagine Tongan musical traditions and transmit Tongan knowledge through contemporary practice. A two-fold approach to exploring Tongan music is employed in this thesis, comprising an examination of two customary musical instruments—the nafa (skin drum) and fangufangu (nose flute)—alongside the interconnected genres of hiva kakala (topical or love song) and langi tauʻolunga (tauʻolunga song). The creative direction of this research is centred on reimagining Tongan musical traditions through the integration of non-Tongan genres and contemporary practices, aiming not only to support the transmission and preservation of Tongan musical knowledge but also to expand the sonic possibilities of Tongan music. This exploration culminates in the 5-track EP entitled Friendly Islands Fusion, the name of which references Tonga’s popular moniker and reflects the stylistic hybridity that defines the album’s aesthetic.