Songs of Tuvalu

That Radio Tuvalu broadcasts old songs on a daily basis demonstrates the high regard that Tuvaluans have for their old songs. Although ot forgotten, perhaps these old songs needed the extra support that government could share. So it was that leading members of government in the 1960s encouraged Professor Gerd Koch in his study of the songs of Tuvalu. Professor Koch recorded songs on tape and wrote in German. He asked that Mr. Guy Slatter translate the work into English. The present government of Tuvalu continues to support the perpetuation of these old songs by bringing to bear the staying power of print along with new technology in the form of compact discs.

This collection includes songs about the sea, life on land, magic, Christianity and church. The words are at once succinct and expressive. The songs mark such significant events as death or famine, as well as such everyday occurrences as fishing, planting and harvesting. These songs testify to the communities’ respect for specialists in house building, magic or food production. Church hymns and pop songs have affected Tuvaluan songs and vice versa, creating a blend that is still uniquely Tuvaluan. Dancing and drumming accompany many of the songs, and this collection describes some of the dances and instruments.

This book is a celebration of Tuvaluan song. It is joy that may be shared by anyone who reads this music or this text or who plays the accompanying compact discs.

Hardcover + 2CDs