MORUROA Extended Version Remix

Kia Ora, Kia Orana, ‘Ia Orana, Talofa Lava, Malo e Lelei, Bula Vinaka, Fakaalofa lahi Atu, warmest greetings of the Moana.

We are the Pacific Sisters: Mana wahine, mana tagata, mana moana.
One of the most enduring and diverse Tāngata Moana art collectives in Aotearoa.

Henry Ah-Foo Taripo is a musician, composer, and performance artist with roots in the Cook Islands, Tahiti, Samoa, and Tonga. He is also a dedicated Pacific Sisters member and long-time collaborator.

The Pacific Sisters are thrilled to announce our participation as one of three Moana artists from Aotearoa New Zealand, in the 24th Biennale of Sydney's 'Ten Thousand Suns' exhibition, opening on March 9^th- June 10th, 2024, in Sydney, Australia. For this international exhibition, we aim to create a special new extended version of Henry's iconic anti-nuclear protest song, “MORUROA”.

WHAT IS THE PROJECT: “MORUROA”: the Extended Version Remix

 
We believe the tragic legacy of nuclear testing in the wider Pacific and its long-term damaging environmental and physical impacts on Moana peoples, remains largely unacknowledged. Very recently these issues were bought sharply into focus, with the controversial release of treated radioactive water from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, into the Pacific Ocean. A process that will take 30 years to complete. The song "MUROROA" is more relevant than ever, and has inspired our plans to create an Extended Version Remix.

“Moruroa [the original] is a song of protest about the major effects it has had on human lives and planet Earth. Learning of the nuclear testing [at the time], I was feeling pain and heartache, tearful…angry, sad, and mistreated. I felt mentally and physically abused, helpless and powerless. To hold onto my spirit…I needed to express my feelings through my music, my language, my voice, and body. I go to a place where my soul is truly affected, inviting the audience to freely interpret the context, from their own hearts and minds.”

- Henry Ah-Foo Taripo

Ka whawhai tonu matou, struggle without end.

TO DO THIS WE NEED YOUR HELP TO RAISE $20,000

We have less than a month to Oct 31^st, to meet this all-or-nothing target!

 What’s amazing is that through the Boosted X Moana Match Fund, half of the necessary funds ($10,000), are secured for this project. BUT only if we are successful in CROWDFUNDING the remaining half to reach our goal of $20,000, by the end of October.

So that’s why we’re reaching out to ask for your support in donating to our “MORUROA”: Extended Version remix project. Every donation makes a meaningful difference, no matter how big or small!

We are so grateful that for every dollar we raise up to $10,000, this will be matched by Creative NZ through the Boosted X Moana Match Fund. So, for instance, a $20 donation from you today will double to $40!  

So “Just Remember, Don’t Forget”!  Please feel free to SHARE OUR CAMPAIGN and help us spread the word! XOX

Please help us achieve our dream of premiering the new song at the opening activation and performances during the 24^th Biennale of Sydney, 2024.

Your generous donations will support:

• Return flights for Henry from the Cook Islands to Auckland, Aotearoa.
• Accommodation, per diems and car rental for Henry in Auckland.
• Composer & contributing musician/artist fees in Auckland.
• Up to 12 days recording studio hire in Auckland.
• Sound producer and /or engineer hire, to record and digitally master the new Extended Version remix.
• Additional live Cook Islands drummer fees for HenZart performance in Sydney.  

Nga Mihi Nui, Meitaki Ma’ata, Fa’afetai tele. We so appreciate your kind support!