Young drummer steals the show

The Apii Avarua team once again proved their mettle at Rarotonga’s annual Tangi Ka’ara Primary Schools Drumming Competition, taking home the championship trophy on Thursday night.

Young drummers from schools across the island The vibrant CITC Pump the Beats 2024 Emo’anga Tangi Ka’ara drumming competition will be held at Te Are Kariori
(National Auditorium).

Despite only offering classes up to Grade 6, the drum corps from two smaller schools, Apii Rutaki and Apii Takitumu, put in a great effort on the night, entertaining the audience with their heartfelt performances.

Most teams were dominated by girls, who played drums wholeheartedly alongside their male classmates, producing impressive rhythms together.

This year’s Tangi Ka’ara champions, the Apii Avarua team, have won the championship for many consecutive years.

Apii Avarua School principal Engia Baxter said she was “proud” of her students as they used their lunch breaks and after-school practice time to learn drumming.

Baxter is pleased to see more children becoming interested in tangi ka’ara every year.

She would like to thank the parents who supported their children and the teachers who always supported the activities. Teacher Alone Joseph assisted the instructor Steven Hiro in preparing the activities for the Apii Avarua team.

Apii Arorangi finished second in the competition, while Apii Nikao came third.

CITC Pump the Beats’ Emo’anga Tangi Ka’ara 2024 Api’i Tuata’i Primary School Drum Corps:

Apii Aroangi: Mentors – James Tuaputa and Teretahi Tauraki; Drummers – Baxter Sherman, Henry Au’ua, Zephania Aperau-Toa, Prince JK Strickland, Junior Ngatokorua, Rohan Vano, Jonah Aerepo, Tiare Ngatupuna, April Wichman (female), Sheryl Kimiora (female), Reserve – Teremoana Murare (female).

Apii Avarua: Mentor – Steven Hiro; Drummers – Cleveland Ngavi’i, Justice Siona, Ngametua Matangaro, Ngapoe Urirau, Luka Newbigging, Jayden Angene, Joshua Sherwin, Nyjah Atuatika, Akatauira Tapena, William Tou.

Apii Nikao: Mentors – Piritau Nga and Paiere Tangata; Drummers – Elizapeta Tama (female), Joshua Kaimarama, Troy Taurua, Sailor Areai, Vivian Kora, Temana Taia, Tamaika Taniela, Dezal Tokorangi, Piripa Mataio, Gideon Ngametua, Reserve- Corey J Rairoa.

Apii Rutaki: Mentor – Tatari Mitchell-Ngatoko, assisted by Teariki Unuia and Utia Ngatoko; Drummers – Kalola Ngatokorua (female), Marius Maoate (female), Jazeladi Andrew (female), Melanie Tanga (female), Latisha Hosking (female), Moeroa Tataio (female), Horace Simpson, Ikurangi Tiro, William Boller, Julius George.

Apii Takitumu: Mentors – Junior and Anjima Ruarau; Drummers – Teata Rima, Taikanapa Noovao-Blake, Moana Vogel (female), Amarah Gribble (female), Manihiki Tau (female), Hinamoana Olah (female), Amani Atera (female), Heimata Akaroa (female), Josef Urirau, Nato Maeva, Reserves – Juanta AJ Ruarau.

Apii Te Uki Ou: Mentor – Saireni Poila; Drummers: Tangitoru Heather, Avaiki Williams, Devon Prasad, Cain Brown, Rupe Rima, Dominic Akava, Rupe Rima, Aratoa Pukeiti, Christian Williams, John Tuiravakai, Ngametua Petero (female), Reserves – Lina Tanga (female).