Kailao

History

It is usually performed at public and private ceremonies. The men, bearing stylized clubs (pate kailao), dance in a fierce manner that emulates fighting, all to the accompaniment of a beaten slit drum or a tin box, which sets the tempo. Unlike most other Tongan dances, the kailao is performed without singing. The sequences of movements to be performed by the group are called by the lead dancer, who will give the name of the sequence, then will signal when to do it. The sequences can involve mock combat between dancers, changes in formation, and tricks involving the pate kailao themselves. The dance displays the dancers' discipline, obedience and skill with their weapon. A similar Rotuman dance, also derived from the 'Uvean original is similarly titled "ka'loa".

The Sipi Tau, performed by the 'Ikale Tahi, the national rugby union team before each match, is a form of Kailao.

Song: Sipi Tau

The Tonga rugby union national team's pre-game challenge, the Sipi Tau was penned by King Tama Tu'i Tāufaʻāhau Tupou IV in 1994, but its origins can be traced back much further. In Tonga in the pre-1800s there were no challenges before war. Indeed talking was considered a sign of weakness in battle. But in the 19th century a war dance was introduced from the neighbouring Wallis and Futuna Islands and Tonga quickly annexed it. There have been several different Sipi Tau used by the Tongan rugby team over the years, but it is unsure when they were first used in rugby. The latest one was composed in honour of a short, successful tour of New Zealand in 1994. The current words were first used in the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Tongan (current words)

Teuaki ki he tau! (Leader) Tonga! (Team) Teu lea pea tala ki mamani katoa Ko e 'Ikale Tahi kuo halofia. Ke ilo e he sola mo e taka Ko e aho ni te u tamate tangata, haafe mo e tautua Kuo hu hoku anga tangata. Ei! (Leader) E! Ei! (Leader) E! Te u peluki e molo mo e foueti taka, Pea ngungu mo ha loto fitaʻa Ngungu! (Leader) ʻIo! Ngungu! (Leader) ʻIo! Ko Tonga pe mate ki he moto (Leader) Otua mo Tonga ko hoku tofi'a Ei e! (Leader) TONGA!

English Translation (current words)

Leader:Get ready to the battle! Team:Tonga! I shall speak to the whole world The Sea Eagles are famished unfurl. Let the foreigner and sojourner beware Today, destroyer of souls, I am everywhere To the halfback and backs Gone has my humanness. Leader:Hey! hey! Ay! Leader:Aye! Aye! Maul and loose forwards shall I mow And crunch any fierce hearts you know Leader:Crunch! Yeah! Leader:Crunch! Yeah! That's how Tonga dies to her motto God and Tonga are my inheritance. Leader:Aye, ay! Tonga!

Tongan (old version)

'Ei e!, 'Ei e! Teu lea pea tala ki mamani katoa Ko e 'Ikhale Tahi kuo halofia. Ke 'ilo 'e he sola mo e taka Ko e 'aho ni teu tamate tangata, 'A e haafe mo e tautua'a Kuo hu'i hoku anga tangata. He! he! 'Ei e! Tu. Teu peluki e molo mo e foueti taka, Pea ngungu mo ha loto fita'a Teu inu e 'oseni, pea kana mo e afi Keu mate ai he ko hoku loto. Ko Tonga pe mate ki he moto Ko Tonga pe mate ki he moto.

English Translation (old words)

Aye, ay! Aye, ay! I shall speak to the whole world The Sea Eagles are famished unfurl. Let the foreigner and sojourner beware Today, destroyer of souls, I am everywhere To the halfback and backs Gone has my humanness. Hey! hey! Aye ay! Zap. Maul and loose forwards shall I mow And crunch any fierce hearts you know Ocean I drink, fire I dine To death or victory my will is fine. That's how Tonga dies to her motto To her motto Tonga gives all.