Ukeleles replace the organ at Bill Sevesi’s funeral

NEW ZEALAND – Family and friends gathered in New Zealand on Monday to celebrate the life of renowned musician Bill Sevesi where the organ was replaced by the ukulele at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Parnell.

The acclaimed ukulele and steel guitar player, credited with popularising Hawaiian-style steel guitar and ukelele music in New Zealand and throughout the Pacific, died late last month at the age of 92.

Tongan born, Wilfred Jeffs, known by his stage name Bill Sevesi, was a stalwart of Auckland’s music scene in the 1950s through to the 1970s.

With his band The Islanders, Sevesi packed out dance halls, like Auckland’s Orange Ballroom for almost 20 years.

Speaking on behalf of the Tongan Community, Sefita Hao’uli said Sevesi was a Tongan legend whose music helped shape the sound of the Pacific.

“Bill developed chords and a sound out of that instrument that has become iconic – in fact, to be part of our region. And for that, Tonga and the rest of the Pacific community will always be grateful.”

Broadcaster and journalist Phil Gifford remembered the huge part Sevesi’s music played in his childhood as he grew up watching his band at Waihi Beach.

“He actually brought a Pasifika influence to New Zealand music before that word was even being used and he would often –when he played dances – his band, The Islanders, would play the pop hits of the day but they had an absolutely unique twist to them because he would lead on Hawaiian steel guitar which is a very unusual instrument, which he often played beautifully.”

Sevesi dedicated much of his later life to education, including teaching school children his signature instrument.

The importance of getting children into music was something he highlighted last year when he was inducted into the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame.

“Remember always, the flowers will grow from the seeds that you sow. Music can give you happiness, anything you want all over the world,” Sevesi is quoted as once saying.

Founding member of Split Enz, Mike Chunn, paid tribute not just to Sevesi’s musical ability but his personal qualities.

“ For you it was about people – we can talk about instruments, we can talk about recordings, we can talk about songwriting as the foundation. But it’s the love of your fellow man that drives his vision on. People are united, and you are the man behind it Bill. You are, and you will always be, a beautiful person and I salute you.”

Bill Sevesi was farewelled today but he lives on in New Zealand’s musical history.

- RNZI