Music of Polynesia

The music of Polynesia is a diverse set of musical traditions from islands within a large area of the central and southern Pacific Ocean, approximately a triangle with New Zealand, Hawaii and Easter Island forming its corners.[1] Traditional Polynesian music is largely an inseparable part of a broader performance art form, incorporating dance and recital of oral traditions; most literature considers Polynesian music and dance together.[2] Polynesian music expanded with colonial European contact and incorporated instruments and styles introduced through a process of acculturation that continues to the present day. Although the European tradition of hymn-singing brought by Christian missionaries was probably the most important influence,[3] others are evident; Hawaii's influential kī hōʻalu (“slack key”) music incorporated the Spanish guitar introduced in the late 19th century, and later introduced the steel guitar to country music.[4] Hip hop and R&B influences have created a contemporary Urban Pasifika music genre with a strong Polynesian identity and supported by the annual Pacific Music Awards in New Zealand.[5]

Aloha Oe, celebrated Hawaiian song.
  1. ^ McLean 1999, p. 3.
  2. ^ Kaeppler, Adrienne. "Oceanic music and dance". Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved 14 September 2020.
  3. ^ McLean 1999, p. 431.
  4. ^ Ross, Michael (February 17, 2015). "Pedal to the Metal: A Short History of the Pedal Steel Guitar". Premier Guitar Magazine. Retrieved September 1, 2017.
  5. ^ "Pacific Music Awards Announced". Scoop (Press release). Pacific Music Awards. 23 November 2004. Retrieved 14 September 2020.