People will happily spend thousands of dollars to be inspired — whether paying to attend an event, buying a book or traveling to meet a motivational speaker.
But did you know that inspiration can be closer than you think? As an artist, Iosefo Senikau understood this when he drew inspiration from his several villages simply by composing songs.
He is the founder of the Seni Kakala Serenaders, a popular sigidrigi group that came out of Waikete, Tailevu in the ‘70s and became a hit in the district of Nakelo.
Senikau’s love for composing songs began when he was alone in his house, relaxed after a hard day’s work.
“As a young man I would often think about life and the future ahead This led me to compose songs about the life in a young person’s shoes.
“The songs that I wrote were also about the village and nature that surrounds it. I thought it to be a very beautiful place,” he said. Fuelled by passion and story-telling in song-writing Iosefo met up with companion Sakiasi Yabia.
“We both wrote our own songs and put a melody to it. Sometimes we would write songs together.”
While there were other sigidrigi groups in the village who sang around the grog basin, they decided to be the first group to record an album.
“Sakiasi was a soldier who would go on tours back then, and he had We must pay attention to the songs that are composed and what messages sent out. Composers must re-think the type of songs that they put out. It has to have a positive influence on people – Iosefo Senikau – money. He suggested that we recorded our songs.”
Another member Watisoni Rokoyadre, joined later and together they formed a trio — but without a proper name for themselves.
Senikau said one day he came up with a name for the group after he saw the kakala flowers that grew outside the house.
He would wake up to its beautiful scent of the kakala every morning. After they recorded and launched their album the trio became an instant hit.
They were invited by almost every village in Nakelo.
“We were asked to perform at neighbouring villages — songs with different stories about the village life that many could relate to.
“We took with us our guitars everywhere.
“We would be invited to special occasions such as birthdays, weddings and several village functions. It was a great experience, a journey I will never forget. Senikau’s group would then pave the way for other singing groups to emerge on the back of Seni Kakala Serenaders’ popularity and success.
“Voqa ni Waikete was the next group to come after us. A cousin of mine was in the group and lately the Uci Boi Yawa sigidrigi band.
“These were groups from the village and it was great to see the younger generation taking a bold step to continue the musical journey.”
Senikau says every musician should respect songs composed by others, and in this day age, it’s so tempting to duplicate and copy tunes — or changes lyrics to your liking.
He urged all sigidrigi bands and composers to love one another and be mindful of what songs are about. “We must pay attention to the songs that are composed and what messages they send out.
“Composers must re-think the type of songs that they put out. It has to have a positive influence on people.”
