Big anniversaries need to be celebrated with big acts.
So to mark Otago Polyfest’s 30th anniversary next week, organisers have booked popular New Zealand R&B band Ardijah to perform at the closing event — Te Moananui a Kiwa community concert — on Friday next week.
It has been 15 years since the band last performed in Dunedin, and lead vocalist Betty Anne Monga said they were looking forward to celebrating the auspicious event for one of the city’s landmark festivals.
"What a great reason to come back to Ōtepoti!
"We jumped at the chance to support this kaupapa, and we’ve spent time as a band reminiscing about our own Polyfest stories and time in the city."
Polyfest director Tanya Muagututi’a said the band would be supported by local Pasifika and Māori musicians, dancers and artists, including local reggae legends Koile, and new up-and-coming Dunedin band Black Sale House.
She said Te Moananui a Kiwa would round out the week-long Polyfest, and she encouraged audiences to bring picnics, blankets and cushions to sit on, and their dancing shoes.
The number of participants in this year’s Polyfest had increased "dramatically", bringing the programme almost back to pre-pandemic numbers, she said.
"We’re so proud of the numbers, and proud of the schools and early childhood education centres for bringing their pupils to the stage.
"They’ve been working so hard, and their involvement is building confidence and pride.
"That’s what Polyfest is for — our communities. We can’t wait to see them, and their families can’t wait to watch too."
Co-chairwoman Angelina Kiore described the success of Polyfest as being down to the dedication and participation of the early childhood education centres, schools and families returning year after year.
"For 30 years, Otago Polyfest has been a focal point for Māori and Pacific communities all over Otago.
"Hearing our reo is really at the heart of this work for me — seeing and hearing thousands of children and youth perform items from Māori and Pacific cultures, bringing toi Māori and Pasifika to the forefront in our city for a week of magnificence and pride that’s simply about celebrating our culture, language and identity."
As part of the anniversary celebrations, Polyfest will include The Village, where whānau and community can gather, enjoy some kai and see the history of the festival at the Edgar Centre.
People will also be able to share their own Polyfest story, see demonstrations and connect with services and agencies.
