In the heart of Auckland, New Zealand, where the great pulse of Polynesian culture meets the infectious rhythms of funk, a unique musical family thrives. Island Vibes Funk isn’t just a band; it’s a collective of nine souls woven together by shared heritage, deep friendships, and an unyielding passion for creating music that moves both the body and the spirit. Their story, as told by Joanna Mika and Aisea, the band’s manager/vocalist and admin/music director respectively, is a testament to the power of connection, the beauty of cultural expression, and the sheer joy of making music together.
It all began, as many great stories do, with a simple request. “Can you put a band together?” Joanna was asked for the Moana Pasifika game. “Okay, yep, I can,” she replied, and with that, Island Vibes Funk began its journey. But the roots of this musical collective run much deeper. Joanna and Aisea’s friendship stretches back 12 years, to their time at performing arts school. “We’re both faifeau’s kids,” Aelu explains, using a local term that signifies a deep connection to their heritage. “We used to play piano for our churches, so we connected that way, and we’re quite close.” This shared foundation of faith and cultural pride would become the bedrock of Island Vibes Funk.
As they began assembling the band, they sought out individuals who were not only musically gifted but also shared their values and vision.
The band’s lineup is a kaleidoscope of talent:
- Joanna Mika
- Aisea Latu
- Haanz Fa’avae Jackson
- Nyssa Collins
- Saale Ilaua
- Sefa Taouma
- Kevin Savili
- Simon Savili
- Willie Tuionetoa
“We wouldn’t be there if it weren’t for them,” Aisea insists, underscoring the collaborative spirit that defines the group.
The name “Island Vibes Funk” was born from a moment of serendipity. Sitting at a café, Joanna was suddenly tasked with naming the band. “It just made sense,” she says. “We are Islanders. We do have the vibes, and we give a little bit of funk when we’re singing.” This name perfectly encapsulates their eclectic sound, which seamlessly blends reggae, country, rap, and, of course, funk, all while honoring their Polynesian roots. “What the hell is happening?” Aisea jokes, capturing the delightful unpredictability of their performances.
Their musical backgrounds are as diverse as their sound. Many grew up playing music in church, a foundation that instilled in them a deep sense of rhythm and harmony. Their parents played a significant role, encouraging their musical talents and passing down their cultural heritage – they attribute their success to their families’ hard work, dedication, and the love of music they instilled in them. Joanna specifically thanked her late father for his guiding presence throughout her musical journey, acknowledging his influence in helping her reach where she is today. “We’re blessed to have a range of languages,” Aisea says, mentioning Niuean, Tongan, Samoan, and Māori. They weave these languages into their music, blending traditional sounds with urban beats to represent their generation. It’s not just music; it’s a cultural tapestry woven with threads of their ancestors’ stories.
Their creative process is a beautiful chaos of collaboration and camaraderie. “We pretty much just vibe with each other,” Aisea explains. Ideas flow freely, and everyone contributes. They often start with a story, a message they want to convey. “All of our songs that we’ve written thus far have a background of, okay, what’s the meaning of this? And what’s our story that we’re going to tell?” Joanna adds. This storytelling element is crucial. Their latest release, “Umu,” is a poignant ode to their fathers, capturing the essence of family and tradition. The music video, filmed in Samoa, is a visual feast, showcasing the island’s beauty and the warmth of its people. It’s not just a song; it’s a heartfelt tribute to their heritage.
Their journey hasn’t been without its challenges, but they’ve also been incredibly blessed. Their first gig for the Moana Pasifika game snowballed into a whirlwind of performances. “A week later, we had five gigs lined up,” Aisea recalls. They’ve received support from Creative New Zealand and other funding bodies, and they attribute much of their success to the relationships they’ve built over the years. “We just had the right connections and the right networks previously,” Aisea says, emphasizing the importance of people in their journey.
Their live shows are legendary, filled with unexpected moments and infectious energy. “Every gig is an adventure in itself,” Aisea laughs. There have been broken legs on the dance floor, accidental table fires, and even a moment in Samoa where Atomic Kitten’s “Whole Again” inexplicably got everyone dancing. “We were standing there going, ‘okay. No one ever dances to this song,’” Aisea recalls, “And then all of a sudden the dance floor was packed.” These moments of spontaneity and surprise are what make their performances so memorable.
Looking to the future, Island Vibes Funk has big dreams. They want to travel the world, sharing their music and culture with as many people as possible. They dream of playing in America, Australia, and across the Pacific Islands. But more than anything, they want to leave a legacy for their children. “I want music that when our people are celebrating, that I could hear something that I’ve contributed to our people,” Aisea says. Joanna adds, “We’re all big on storytelling. This will be sort of our way of leaving our history behind for our kids.”
Beyond the music, Island Vibes Funk is a family. They tease each other relentlessly, they laugh often, and they support each other through thick and thin. “We love to, we’re all a bunch of vasties,” Aisea says, using a local term for playful teasing. They’re not just bandmates; they’re friends, confidants, and partners in a shared mission. Many of them have day jobs, families, and other responsibilities, but they always make time for their music. “We’re not only just musicians, we’re people trying to pay bills at the same time,” Aisea acknowledges, highlighting the dedication and passion that drives them. Island Vibes Funk is more than just a band; they’re a cultural phenomenon, a reminder of the power of community, and a celebration of diversity. They’re a symphony of heritage, harmony, and hilarious hijinks, and their story is just beginning. As they continue to create and share their music, they’re not just making waves; they’re creating a legacy, a lively tapestry of sound and spirit that will resonate for generations to come.
Take a listen to some of their music and covers below, hit play and enjoy the incredible talent!
