History of Music in Tokelau

The Tokelau music occurs in the attols of Atafu, Fakaofo and Nukunonu. It is controlled by communal vocal activity in accord, with percussive supplement which include the long drums (pate), pokihi (which is the wooden box) and apa (which is the biscuit tin), utilized as drumming. nukunonu is popular  for folk chant and dance.

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Nukunono is one of the three islands of Tokelau (the remaining two are Fakaofo and Atafu) where, under the positive effect of the Catholic Christian Missionaries, folk music and chant took positive establishment. However the music and dance type was introduced from Tuvalu, it was changed into the sophisticated fatele, which has substituted the old types. Drums were widespread followed with music for quite a long period. Slit gongs was also another instrument that is used since in the year 1841, which was noticed by the United States Exploring Expedition in the year 1843. Pokihi (which is mat covered boxes) is another extensive considered instrument used in fatele music, which was a post European invention seen even in the year 1921. Alan Thomas was the initial person to study the music of Tokelau during in the 1980s and submit a Master of Arts thesis on fatele in the year 1986.

The site, which is renowned for holding music and dance acts, is known as fiafia or festival held at the meeting house where villagers gather and also the music orchestras gather themselves according to their village link which is known as faitue (sides or havles). The acts are held in a condition of fun and comedy is conducted till the elders in the group order it be banned.