Te Vaka - 'Loimata E Maligi' Live in Gainesville, Florida

[valuever]

For those asking for the translation...

Let the tears fall
For my heart is filled with sorrow
For we have lost many beloved ones
Give me some comfort
To wash away this pain
For we have lost many of our young women
It’s hard to comprehend
The 19 lives that were lost
And along with it the future of our small nation.

RIP cousin Uisau. 19 years have gone by and I will never forget the day you said Goodbye to me for the last time before going to Motufoua School on the beach of our very small atoll Niutao. I’ll see you again cousin.

[artistvtan]

When I first heard this song used in the scene of Moana, despite not knowing the language I felt chills and became teary and it lead me here. Now I know, the meaning makes me understand how truly powerful this song is.

[jkb]

On March 8th, 2000, a fire broke out in one of the dormitories for girls at Motufoua Secondary School on the island of Vaitupu in Tuvalu and took the lives of 18 girls & their Matron, the dorm Supervisor. The girls ages ranged from 14 to 17. It started as a secret way of studying at night after the light is turned off at bed time. One girl stayed up studyng using a candle. She must have fallen asleep without putting off the candle light and that's what started the tragic fire. Eighteen other girls escaped the inferno, only three of whom suffered burns. It was also reported that the Matron died as she attempted to battle past the flames to rescue the girls. Among those who died are 2 sisters and the adopted grand daughter of the former Finance Minister of the Government of Tuvalu, the late Henry Naisali. The tragic event touched all residents on the eight populated islands and atolls which make up Tuvalu as well as all Tuvaluan living away from Tuvalu.

[cheeky]

Even before looking up the meaning of the lyrics, or even finding the origins of the song from comments, something in me could feel that pain in the lyrics. That something was the cause of it & when I learned of the event, I cried. For the girls, their families, I just cried. Such a beautiful and powerful song.

[pilarsalazar]

When I heard this watching Moana, something told me it came from tears, but also with so much love and peace. It turned out to be even more touching that I could imagine when I read the lyrics and the history behind it. Such a beautiful and touching song...

[marianamarino]

Beautifully sung live. I cried when I heard this on Moana. Not knowing what it was about till now. ❤️❤️

[jimmyjames]

I wondered why this song filled my spirit first time I heard it and now I know why, very beautiful song but also sad bout those kids at that school, I'm sure they'll love this song

[simplymaria]

I'm Micronesian and I don't even understand the song but just listening to the song itself, I can definitely feel the pain and the sorrow. Te Vaka you guys never fail to disappoint. Thank you a bunch for making such touching songs. God Bless <3

[matildakoria]

Those 19 souls would be so proud! beautifully written song 😍

[pacificplaylist]

After just watching the production in Auckland 11/10/2020 Tinogafulu mo tokoiva my mind has so much knowledge and it still has left me shook 🥺 It was so good meeting the two survivors I heard them cry in the audience and I felt what they felt. Rest In Peace to the girls who didn’t make their dreams come true, who had plans for the future May you Rest In Peace ❤️🕊 Manuia tou Malaga

[HazeTHC]

19 girls lost their lives at Motufoua Secondary boarding school, Vaitupu
Is, Tuvalu back at 2000. What a tragedy, shock the whole nations and
beyond the Pacific. I graduated 3 years earlier. Sad very sad. Good song dedicated to them. GB!!!

[fidelislee]

I miss u family and all I know this sounds crazy but family for islanders is all islanders

[snoopylpz]

This song is just one of those that are music to the soul. Just close your eyes and enjoy. RIP for the lost souls.

[reneearismendez]

Hauntingly beautiful. Olivia sounds wonderful! ❤

[JoeKavana]

I played this song and my daughter. 1 year old started crying.

Now knowing the meaning. My heart.

[JeffieBruh]

Beautiful song and beat. Love from the Philippines 🇵🇭

[lilacitra]

Loimata e maligi
Toku loto fanoanoa
Ko galo atu
A fakapelepele
Omai te fakamafanafanaga
Solo te mae tenei
Ko galo atu
Na tamafine
Faigata fakamalamalama
Tino gafulu ma te toko iva
Ave ai te lumanai
A te atunuku

[skylinejdmjp]

RIP to the 19 girls who lost there lives.

[ramonsandoval]

this is a beautiful song...though it has a sad meaning to it rip those girls who lost their lives

[nixterrollins]

PROUD OF THE PACIFIC UNIQUE CULTURES..L❤VE FROM MEXICO