Pate Pate

Te Vaka's song 'Pate Pate' is a vibrant celebration of Polynesian culture, particularly focusing on the joy and unity found in traditional dance and music. The lyrics, sung in a mix of Polynesian languages, invite listeners to rise and participate in the festivities, emphasizing the communal aspect of these cultural practices. The repeated phrase 'Tu la ki luga ke fai malama' translates to 'Stand up and make light,' symbolizing the act of coming together to create a joyful and illuminating experience through dance and song.

The chorus, with its exclamations of 'Aue aue,' is a call to the community, urging everyone to take pride in their heritage. The words 'Tama mimita' and 'Teine mimita' refer to proud boys and girls, respectively, highlighting the importance of cultural pride and identity. This pride is not just in the individual but in the collective expression of their traditions, as seen in the line 'Hihiva mimita,' which means 'proud dance.' The song encourages everyone to showcase their skills and contribute to the communal celebration.

The song also references the traditional practice of fishing, with the line 'E a mai tau faiva e a mai,' which means 'How is your fishing?' This line connects the everyday life and sustenance of the community to the celebratory aspects of their culture. The final lines, 'Hihiva ki luga hihiva mai ve / Hihiva malie ki te pate pate,' translate to 'Dance up, dance here / Dance well to the pate pate,' reinforcing the central theme of dance as a unifying and joyous activity. 'Pate Pate' is a powerful reminder of the importance of cultural traditions and the joy they bring to the community.