4/4 Pacific Music + Arts Volume 1:3 April 2016 | Page 4

editor

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

R.I.P. - Bill Sevesi - Our Paci ic music icon
2016 has got off to a racing start and for so many the
irst quarter of the year has been hectic. It is one of
the most active times for our arts community – with
the summer season of concerts and events - including
our major arts festivals in Auckland and Wellington.
When I’m at events and gigs, I often split my time from
watching the artists on stage, to watching the faces of
the audience. I always love seeing the happy smiles and
enjoyment of the people in the crowd. I never grow
tired of seeing the exchange of joy that art and music
brings.
Our Paci ic music community has been shaken, as
we have recently had the loss of two of our Paci ic
artists. One, Metui Finau at the young age of 29, who
was a dynamic member of the group Spaci ix; and the
other, the Godfather of Paci ic music, Bill Sevesi, aged
92, a legend and icon who’s contribution has been so
immense for decades. We extend our condolences to
the families and pay tribute to their legacy in music and
their contribution as people to our lives.

4

4/4 is a way for us to know more about our Paci ic
creatives, their work and their creative process. We
hope it will initiate conversations, develop relationships
and nurture unity amongst our people. For this edition
we have interviewed a range of Paci ic creatives and
were fortunate to have them share their time and
stories with us.
We interviewed Emily and Vea Ma ile’o – the creative
force behind Malosi Pictures and Talavou Design,
Siavani from Cydel, Pollywood's Craig Fasi and
renowned writer Victor Rodger. What an amazing
group bursting with so much creative talent. There are
commonalities amongst our interviewees – particularly
in the way they work. They are each determined and
motivated to do the best they can, they will sacri ice
what is needed – including their own time and sleep
– and they achieve what they set out to do. I hope
you enjoy reading about their creative processes and
personal journeys. 44