Island Vibes New Music

ISLAND VIBES FUNK: New Pasifika Music

Established in 2023 Island Vibes has entered the chat:

Booked and busy, Auckland-based band Island Vibes is venturing into new territory. It has been an incredible last year with over 30 gigs for various events, including corporate gigs, weddings, Coconet TV Polysong-books, language weeks in schools, awards ceremonies, a Pacific rugby Hall of Fame ceremony, and many more. The band's next step is to create new music that reflects their diversity and passion for the islands. New Music.

The band has written original songs reflecting their mission statement:

"Our band's mission is to foster a supportive 'aiga-like' space, where excellence and professionalism thrive alongside open dialogue and mutual service. We believe in using music as a catalyst for unity, change, and cultural preservation. We aim to craft songs that narrate stories, elevate souls, and reflect the diverse cultural tapestry of our experiences. Grounded in faith, hope, and love, we uphold integrity, kindness, joy, quality, honesty, and accountability as our core values."

They are seeking financial support to realize their musicianship and visualize their ideas through professional recording and filming of their original music.

The money will go towards producing and releasing the following singles for our first ever EP.

Here is our incredibly talented team.

Band Manager & Lead Vocalist - Joanna Mika 

Meet Joanna! A talented Performing Arts & Music teacher in Auckland, with a rich cultural background - She's Samoan & Maori. Coming from a musical family, Joanna's passion for music began at a young age with the Mika sisters. Her educational journey includes a Diploma in Pacific Performing Arts from PIPA (Pacific Institute of Performing Arts), a Bachelor's in Performing and Screen Arts (UNITEC), and a Graduate Diploma in Teaching Primary (WAIKATO UNI). In her spare time, Joanna manages a band, sings and is also a dedicated theatre actress, having performed in over 15 shows internationally.

Music Director, Lead vocal & keyboardist - Aisea Latu 

Tongan performing artist Aisea was born and raised in Mt. Wellington, Auckland, NZ. He spent his childhood performing in church, playing piano, and guitar, and singing in the choir. Aisea received training at the Pacific Institute of Performing Arts and graduated in 2012. He has showcased his talents nationally and internationally in dance, acting, and music. Aisea is a skilled musician with the ability to compose, write, and arrange music. With over 12 years of professional experience and more than 25 years of performing, Aisea brings a wealth of expertise to his work.

Sound engineer, Video editor & Lead Guitarist - Sefa Taouma

Sefa is a highly skilled professional in video editing, sound operation, and mixing. He creates content for Tikilounge Productions/Coconet TV and is the lead guitarist for Island Vibes Funk. Additionally, he freelances with the Pachucos Collective. Sefa takes pleasure in creating Poly SongBook videos for Coconet TV, both as a musician and an editor. He also serves as the content manager for IVF, maintaining the connection to the passion that sparked his journey: Pacific Blues, family, and the art of storytelling.

Lead vocalist & Acoustic Guitarist - Haanz Fa'avae Jackson 

Haanz is a multi-talented performer with a diverse background in acting, singing, dancing, and puppetry. He has performed in various national and international shows and has a passion for film and screen acting. Haanz is currently a teacher aide at Manurewa High School and is passionate about working with youth and storytelling. He aspires to become an author and perform alongside his children in the future.

Lead vocalist & MC -Saale Ilaua 

Saale Ilaua is a freelance, multi-disciplinary artist known for his acting and singing skills. He has a strong passion for music and has experience in songwriting and vocal arrangement. Additionally, Saale can sing in various Pacific languages, including Tongan, Samoan, and Niuean. Saale is an alumni of Unitec, School of Screen and Performing Arts, and has been involved in stage theatrical productions with notable works such as Auckland Theatre Company's "Red, white and Brass" and the hit musical "Alatini" with Sau E Siva Creatives. Saale brings purpose and intention to all performances with his keen eye for detail and his professional expertise as a teacher.

Lead Female Vocalist - Nyssa Collins

Nyssa Malo Collins is a singer and songwriter born in Auckland to parents Rev. Michael and Malotutoatasi Collins. She gained popularity through her Facebook page "Neece," showcasing her singing talent. Nyssa also placed second on the X Factor New Zealand in 2015. Additionally, she works as a Music Teacher at Papakura High School and holds diplomas in Performing Arts, Tourism, and Contemporary Music.

Keyboardist & Sound Engineer - Simon Savili

Simon is an experienced Gospel keyboardist with skills in guitar and bass. He has a background in theatre and live performances. He has played for multiple bands in Auckland and takes pride in representing his Samoan heritage. Simon has a talent for music arrangement and is also skilled in digitally mixing songs.

Bassist & Music arrangement - Kevin Savili

Kevin is a talented bassist who brings years of musical experience to the table. Along with his twin brother Simon, he has performed in multiple live theatre shows at places like the Mangere Arts Centre and Q Theatre, as well as at live gigs across Tamaki Makaurau. Kevin is a detail-oriented songwriter who has made immense contributions to our new music.

Drummer & all round musician - William Tuionetoa

Multi-talented musician Willie is the drummer for our band, but he can also play various instruments including the piano, guitar, bass, and more. He has a detailed skill for drumming and can play across multiple genres. Of Tongan heritage, Willie brings experience from various bands over the years and has performed live in theatre."