Apii Avarua has again proved its prowess in the annual Rarotonga primary schools Tangi Ka’ara Drumming Competition winning the champion trophy on Thursday night.

The young drummers from across the island’s schools performed their creative rhythms in the dynamic CITC Pump the Beats’ Emo’anga Tangi Ka’ara 2024 Drumming Competition at Te Are Kariori (National Auditorium).

Despite only having classes up to Grade 6, the drumming teams from the smaller schools of Apii Rutaki and Apii Takitumu put in a supreme effort on the night, delighting the audience with their heartfelt performances.

Girls featured in most of the teams, drumming wholeheartedly alongside their male classmates, together producing impressive beats.

Apii Avarua, champions of this year’s Tangi Ka’ara, have won the competition consecutively for many years.

Engia Baxter, principal of Apii Avarua, says she is “proud” of their students since they had committed their time to learning the drumbeats during their lunch breaks and after school practice.

Baxter is pleased to see more children showing interest in tangi ka’ara every year.

She would like to thank the parents who supported their children and the teachers who have always supported the event. Teacher Alone Joseph assisted tutor Steven Hiro in preparing Apii Avarua team for the event.

Apii Arorangi finished second in the competition followed by Apii Nikao in third place.

The CITC Pump the Beats’ Emo’anga Tangi Ka’ara 2024 Api’i Tuata’i Primary Schools drumming teams:

Apii Arorangi: Tutors – James Tuaputa and Teretahi Tauraki; Drummers – Baxter Sherman, Henry Au’ua, Zephania Aperau-Toa, Prince JK Strickland, Junior Ngatokorua, Rohan Vano, Jonah Aerepo, Tiare Ngatupuna, April Wichman (female), Sheryl Kimiora (female), Reserve – Teremoana Murare (female).

Apii Avarua: Tutor – Steven Hiro; Drummers – Cleveland Ngavi’i, Justice Siona, Ngametua Matangaro, Ngapoe Urirau, Luka Newbigging, Jayden Angene, Joshua Sherwin, Nyjah Atuatika, Akatauira Tapena, William Tou.

Apii Nikao: Tutors – Piritau Nga and Paiere Tangata; Drummers – Elizapeta Tama (female), Joshua Kaimarama, Troy Taurua, Sailor Areai, Vivian Kora, Temana Taia, Tamaika Taniela, Dezal Tokorangi, Piripa Mataio, Gideon Ngametua, Reserve- Corey J Rairoa.

Apii Rutaki: Tutors – Tatari Mitchell-Ngatoko assisted by Teariki Unuia and Utia Ngatoko; Drummers – Kalola Ngatokorua (female), Marius Maoate (female), Jazeladi Andrew (female), Melanie Tanga (female), Latisha Hosking (female), Moeroa Tataio (female), Horace Simpson, Ikurangi Tiro, William Boller, Julius George.

Apii Takitumu: Tutors – Junior and Anjima Ruarau; Drummers – Teata Rima, Taikanapa Noovao-Blake, Moana Vogel (female), Amarah Gribble (female), Manihiki Tau (female), Hinamoana Olah (female), Amani Atera (female), Heimata Akaroa (female), Josef Urirau, Nato Maeva, Reserve – Juanta AJ Ruarau.

Apii Te Uki Ou: Tutor – Saireni Poila; Drummers – Tangitoru Heather, Avaiki Williams, Devon Prasad, Cain Brown, Rupe Rima, Dominic Akava, Rupe Rima, Aratoa Pukeiti, Christian Williams, John Tuiravakai, Ngametua Petero (female), Reserve - Lina Tanga (female).