Tubou to revive lakalaka after 20 years for vakasenuqanuqa

Women and men of Tubou Village on Lakeba Island will perform their traditional lakalaka dance for the first time in 20 years as part of the upcoming vakasenuqanuqa celebrations.

The celebrations will honour the installation of the Tui Nayau, Tui Lau and Sau ni Vanua ko Lau and will be held at Tubou Village on Saturday, December 27.

Tubou kacivasau Lote Yavuca Rasolo said the lakalaka is Tongan-inspired and was last performed before the late Tui Nayau, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara.

“It has been a long time coming. We have been practising since October this year, a few months after the installation of the Tui Nayau,” Mr Rasolo said.

He said the performing group includes women and men from Tubou Village as well as members based in Suva.

“Some of our members are in Suva and have been practising there. When they arrive on the island today, we will come together for a final rehearsal,” he said.

Mr Rasolo said reviving the lakalaka was important in preserving Lau’s cultural heritage and historical ties to Tonga.

“This dance demonstrates our historical connections to Tonga and shows the respect we have for our culture and the vanua o Lau,” he said.

The group has been practising twice a week in preparation for the celebrations, with significant effort put into memorising lyrics and perfecting coordinated hand movements.

“Each section of the performance represents different villages and mataqali. When people watch, they will see the distinctions and the important roles each mataqali plays in village life and activities on Lakeba,” Mr Rasolo said.

The vakasenuqanuqa celebrations are expected to draw visitors from across Lau and beyond.