SI'I LILE VIOLA
Created on 06/03/2001Latest update on 02/11/2024
Artist: Tu'ivakano Polutele
Author: Saki Buliloko
Label: Yazoo
Year: 1915
Singing group from Tonga. Song composed for the crowning of their future queen Salote.
Covers:
- 1916:
Retu Tevita [as Isa Lei; from the Fiji Islands, where he heard the melody from two sailors from Tongo and changed the lyrics; became a popular local farewell song since]
- 1940:
Andi Thakambau [idem; on The Secret Museum Of Mankind Vol. 1 - Ethnic Music Classics 1925-1948; wax cylinders and 78's originally]
- 1962:
Dave Guard & The Whiskeyhill Singers [idem; ex Kingston Trio and born in Honolulu; traditional version]
- 1963:
Seekers [idem]
- 1975:
Gabby Pahinui [as Ipo Lei Manu]
- 1992:
Pahinui Brothers [the sons of Gabby Pahinui produced by Ry Cooder; cowboy version]
- 1993:
Ry Cooder & V.M. Bhatt [on A Meeting By The River and also in film Dead Man Walking]
- 1996:
Bob Brozman [with Ed Gerhard]
Isa Lei was translated as Fijian Farewell. The last lyric line mentions this archipel. Originally sung by stevedores any time a ship they had loaded left the harbor. The song is mostly regarded as Hawaiian since Harry Owens brought it to Hawaii and popularized it there.
