Ahiahi

AHI AHI is an open-source sound sample library for Pasifika Producers and DJs. The idea I have for the project is a part of a larger context of urban pacific people who have grown up in Aotearoa & Te Waipounamu but hope to rejoin their roots and create pathways and connections back to the islands.

I will go to Niue and make field & studio recordings. On return I will edit and master it in my studio. From this I will create a database and place it online for other creatives in the pacific to utilise. I will travel through Niue to visit local areas and communities in order to do high quality field recordings and capture a wide range of sounds which are unique and important to the people of the pacific.

Because I travel to Niue every few years, I have connections and understanding of the whenua and moana, our practises and way of life. This enables me to successfully navigate this complex project.

WHY PEOPLE NEED TO SUPPORT?

“Kau fakalataha ke kautu e tau gahua”  "Team work builds success”

Future pasifika producers are a part of the creative eco system of many things such as film, music and theatre. 

The samples will supply a database for film, music & theatre scores and will allow pacific peoples to access high quality recordings of their own islands. I hope that the outcome of this project is that other producers from the pacific would join to this kaupapa. Building networks and creating opportunities for pacific projects and resources for free use. Soundtracks, Film, Music created with free access to sounds of our places.

HOW AM I GONNA DO IT? 

I will go out and do field & studio recordings in Niue. This will create a database whichI will put online for other creatives in the pacific to utilise. I will travel to Niue to visit local areas and communities in order to do high quality field recordings and capture a wide range of sounds which are unique to the people of the pacific.

I know, being Tagata Niue, that I can’t just go to Niue and record a whole bunch of sounds. I have to wananga with people in order to correctly proceed. I will meet elders and local artists who have awareness around correct protocols. This is an important aspect of pasifika peoples work.

For example, I will manaaki people for their involvement - making sure they have food and koha, they will be remunerated for their time. Culturally sound practises will ensure there are safe and robust outcomes for all involved. I will pay for my own flights and board, I will use the Boosted campaign for the projects costs.

WHO ARE YOU?

Fakaalofa lahi atu kia mutolu oti! Ko e higoa haaku ko Nikolai Talamahina a.k.a Skuxx Deluxx A.K.A Brown Boy Magik !

Nikolai Talamahina is a Niuean/Samoan interdisciplinary artist from Alofi Tokelau, Avatele, Vaimoso, Vaialua and Utulei – Tutuila based in Ōtepoti Te Waipounamu.

He is Creative Programmer for Pacific Trust Otago. Coordinator of Moana Nui Festival Ōtepoti. 
His solo music project 'Brown Boy Magik' is based around urban fakataane experience. 
He is one of the founding members of Bodyhaus & Fanau Spa. 

Recent/current projects include: 

He Takatāpui Ahau, Te Ma’ani’anga I Te Vaka, Kakala- Stories of Pacific migration to Ōtepoti Dunedin, Moana Nui Festival, Trans Pacific Time. 

I have released a solo album with the guidance of Coco Solids Kuini Qontrol. This current project is a natural continuation of the lessons I’ve learned and builds on the ideas around self sovereignty and community which I hope to add to in my own way. 

Here are some links to interviews, projects and previous and current works.

https://www.undertheradar.co.nz/news/18035/Listen-To-Brown-Boy-Magiks-Debut-Album-Trans-Pacific-Time.utr

https://www.dazeddigital.com/music/article/51407/1/10-under-the-radar-releases-you-may-have-missed-in-the-last-three-months

https://www.rnz.co.nz/programmes/here-we-are/story/2018773462/nikolai-talamahina-here-we-are

https://www.instagram.com/moananui.festival/

https://www.moananuifestival.com/ 

https://www.metromag.co.nz/society/society-society/bodyhaus-queer-strip-night-auckland

https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/nat-music/audio/2018671672/aucklands-new-family-rap-ensemble-fanau-spa-i-haven-t-experienced-anything-like-it

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1A9PcVGT0Bk