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2008 Te Mire Atu - Composer’s Competition

The Te Mire Atu or composer’s competition is an annual event staged by the Ministry of Cultural Development to harbour the composing talents of Cook Islanders and encourage their involvement in music.

This year’s event which was held in February was the biggest ever with a total of 14 composers competing for the converted first placing.

The song entitled ‘E metua vaine kua Rangatira’ was chosen as the winning composition, giving composer Raemaki Karati another win in the prestigious event.

Andre Tapena sang Karati’s composition which was written for Tapumanoanoa Teremoana Makea Nui Ariki or Mami Ariki as she was called by many.

Placing second in the competition was Sonny Daniel with his song ‘Tamariki oro piako’ – a song dedicated to his grandfather Sir Apenera Short. The song was written to acknowledge his contribution as a father, to the church, community and the country.

The third placed composition belonged to Tuata Kauvai and was dedicated to the late Mamia Savage. Called ‘E akarongo mai’, the song touched on Mamia’s achievements – she was a composer, singer, champion dancer and had numerous achievements in sport, particularly netball.

Photos by Tara Carr

Top Row (left to right)
Singer Andre Tapena belts out ‘E metua vaine kua Rangatira’ which was the winning composition from Raemaki Karati – it was a song dedicated to Tapumanoanoa Teremoana Makea Nui Ariki. 
(Photo Order # 08022909)

Composer and singer Sonny Daniel picked up second place for his song on behalf of his grand father Sir Apenera Short – Sonny also sang Mapi Joseph’s composition on the night. (Photo Order # 08022910)

2^nd Row (left to right)
Mr Useless (Peter Monga) himself led the night off with his tribute to Puaikura man Teariki Heather – his performance included T&M Heather boys who came equipped with a chainsaw, rake, broom and even a weed slasher. (Photo Order # 08022902)

Thomas Ngauru wrote and sang his own song on the night – his performance was stunning and was thoroughly enjoyed by the audience. (Photo Order # 08022904)

Mere Teira was more than happy to sing one of two compositions by nephew Poti Maeva – she joined Poti on stage to back up Kory Patia during the presentation of Poti’s first song. (Photo Order # 08022906)

Composer Poti Maeva who sang back up on a song he composed for his wife – his flower from Matavera. (Photo Order # 08022907)

3^rd Row (left to right)
It was team effort on the night with (from left) Pari Toimata, Doreen Boggs and composer/singer Rangiura Henry – Pari and Doreen helped express parts of Rangiura songs much to the joys of those watching. 
(Photo Order # 08022917)

Singers Tara Kauvai-Vavia (left) and Mere Teira take a little break before heading out onto the stage – Tara sang her father’s (Tuata Kauvai) composition while Mere sang her newphew Poti Maeva’s song. 
(Photo Order # 08022919)

4^th Row (left to right)
Tuaine Unuia belts out his very own composition during the 2008 te Mire Atu. (Photo Order # 08022913)

Pari Toimata closes her eyes in prayer – Pari joined composer/singer Rangiura Henry on stage as did Doreen Boggs. (Photo Order # 08022916)

Rangiura Henry was amazing during the performance of his composition which included the presence of Doreen Boggs and Pari Toimata. (Photo Order # 08022915)