A vibrant non-denominational Christian music festival aimed at getting ‘lost’ youths off the street, out of nightclubs, away from criminal activity and back to church took place on Sunday at the National Auditorium.

The Kīnura Tapunui Music Festival was the brainchild of Kōrero o te `Ōrau executive member Teina Rongo, and Matariki FM’s director William Framhein. The inaugural festival was held in 2018.

Framhein explained that “less family time spent together, more social media influences and technological distractions as well as increased temptations from the ‘clubbing scene’ where alcohol and drugs are present” inspired the organisers to start the festival.

The festival’s goal was to draw youths without direction onto a meaningful path leading them, not only to a better moral understanding, but also ultimately to their salvation.

“Kīnura” is the Māori word for harp in the Bible. “Tapunui” refers to a state of being holy or sacred. The theme of the festival stemmed from Psalms 98: 5, which reads “Sing unto the Lord with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm.”

Framhein said: “This verse embodies the goal of the festival, which is to praise the Lord through music and singing.”

The festival provided young and upcoming performers the opportunity to showcase their talent alongside established local performing artists such as Tuaine Papatua. Some of the young ones also had a go at taking the role of MC for the night. Roughly 300 people attended the event despite the rain and other events happening simultaneously.

Jackie Rongo, executive member of Korero o te Orau, said: “The performances were very well received and energy was high.”

Watching them prepare over the weeks leading up to the big night had been a great experience, she shared.

“The kids were amazing in their practices and were dedicated despite their busy exam schedule. The creativity exhibited was just awesome!”

After performing for Rarotonga at the National Auditorium, the team of performers then headed to Aitutaki where they performed at the Aitutaki Christmas in the Park. Rongo shared that Konini and Tera Rongo’s duet of ‘When you Believe’ was very well received in particular. They performed once more at the Aitutaki Youth Concert.

The organisers are planning to hold the event again next year and to continue to showcase the talented youth in song, dance and instruments.