AfroFest: Tongan singer finds inspiration in African music

Hundreds turned out to Aotea Square on the weekend for 2024 AfroFest’s music, food trucks and all around good vibes. The event was part of the Auckland Live Summer in the Square line up.

Event organisers Rebecca Williams and Lola Ade from Africa Youth Movement say they're very proud to see their work come to life.

“This is definitely the first time we would have seen this much African congregation in Aotea square so we’re definitely making moves,” says Ade.

“We just want to do it for the next generation."

For Williams, she's happy to be able to share her culture with others.

“It’s important to be proud of who you are and your culture to feel like you can share it with others as well,” says Williams.

Left: Kyra Ula, Tavita Siufaga & Elena Latoa

Tongan R&B singer Elena Latoa was also there with her best friend Kyra Tanecee who is of Zimbabwean heritage, and who also introduced Elena to Burna Boy and the Afrobeat genre.

Having just released a new single Mood, the South Auckland-based singer says she wasn’t sure if she was going to be criticised for releasing an Afrobeat track herself.

“I was a bit nervous cause I didn’t want to get any shade being an R&B artist, but I haven’t gotten any and people seem to really like it, so I was like, ‘oh my God, yes!’”

After seeing the interview for the festival on Ma’a Brian Sagala’s Pacific Days show, Elena says she knew she had to go check out the festival.

“I’m so excited to be around African culture and see all the other cultures that are actually here … and I can’t wait to try the food.”

Watch the full interview on 531pi's Pacific Days below: