GCC questions future of Fiji’s Cibi

The Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) had questioned the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) board of directors on their intention about the traditional war dance, the Cibi, performed by the Flying Fijians before the start of a Test match.

This was confirmed to SUNsports by FRU board chairman John Sanday.

He said the question came up after their presentation to the GCC in Suva, late last month.

“At the completion of our presentation, there was a good and vibrant discussion and one of the questions posed (to us) was whether the Cibi, should be replaced to reflect the new Fiji since this version was done during colonial times?” Sanday recalled.

“We (FRU board) respectfully said we would consider the question and have another good look at it. Historically, it is my understanding that the Cibi,, we currently perform was borne out of the 1939 tour of New Zealand by the Fiji team.

“The late Turaga Na Vunivalu, Ratu Sir George Cakobau was the captain of that team, and he wanted a challenge to rival the All Blacks ‘Haka’.

“The late Vunivalu then asked Ratu Bola, also of (Navusaradave) Bau, to compose a war dance which he then produced the current Cibi, which has been used ever since.”

That Fiji team (in 1939) created history by being the first team in the world to have an unbeaten tour to New Zealand winning seven matches and drawing one.

However, Sanday said he is of the opinion that we need to tread carefully and respect the origins of the Cibi, and the traditional values built into the process of producing it.

“If we are to make any change we will have to respectfully ensure all traditional protocols are followed,” he added.

Key All Blacks players to revolutionize the Haka in 1985 was Wayne Shelford and Hika Reid, they made the Haka far more regimental and frequent. The ritual was a big hit straight away and helped produce World Cup scenes such as the inaugural final in 1987 and subsequent spine-tingling moments in the 1991 semi-final and 1995 final.

Sanday said during his travels around the country, he has been asking fans on their views of whether to change the Cibi, or replace it with a new one.

“The responses have been interesting with many saying we should not change it and keep the historical tradition of it alive as it was an expression of our culture,” he said.

“Another version I heard was that maybe we should remove it and replace it with a hymn singing option like the Fiji Bati (rugby league). Another was to just make a few changes on the current choreogra-phy of the Cibi.”

Sanday said decision of what step to take when it comes to the Cibi, the FRU board of directors will have to deliberate on it very care-fully and get the wider views of our rugby fans.

“It is important to continue to showcase the beautiful Fijian culture to the world as we continue to grow the business of Fiji Rugby globally, it is a very important symbol of our strong brand,” he added