The South Pacific encompasses three clusters of islands: Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. Melanesia contains a diversity of musical styles: in Papua New Guinea alone, forms range from the yodeling of the highlands to the bamboo flutes of the Sepik River and the flute-and-drum music of the lowlands. Solomon Islanders use thick bamboo tubes as percussion instruments, striking them with a pair of flip-flops -- footwear which first came to the islands with the American military during World War II. Music from Micronesia consists primarily of singing, stamping, and body percussion, and is thought to have roots in the musical forms of Southeast Asia. Polynesian music bears the influence of almost two centuries of European occupation. The 120- person, unaccompanied Tahitian Gospel Choir features startling indigenous harmonies, but the lyrics convey a Christian message. Much of Polynesian instrumental music centers around guitars and ukuleles originally imported from Europe; the Cook Islands, however, have retained traditional drum patterns.
Genre Guide 2000 · World/Folk