The captivating sounds of traditional drums in the ‘CITC Pump the Beats’ Emo’anga Tangi Kaara 2023 drumming competition on Friday night, pounded through the filled Are Karioi (National Auditorium). Melina Etches was there.

The intense “battle of the drums” between the 13 schools on Rarotonga delighted the enthusiastic crowd who showed their appreciation for the teams.

Hosted by Tauranga Vananga (Ministry of Cultural Development) in partnership with CITC (Cook Islands Trading Corporation), the students have spent weeks of dedicated practice and preparation honing their skills for the event.

Anau Maungaroa from Tereora College took out the top prize in the secondary schools competition.

Apii Avarua’s Matakura Drummers champion drummers took home the first place trophy in the primary school division.

Principal Engia Baxter, the teachers, tutors, students and parents were proud of the talented kids who have retained their winning streak from last year.

Apii Avarua would like to acknowledge Steven Hiro for the beautiful composition in the creative beat category, supported by Mii Simona, and David Petero and his parents for sponsoring their uniforms, and Alone Joseph, as well as their teachers.

Culture “is the heart” of the CITC and for many years the corporation has sponsored various cultural activities and events.

This year in March, CITC and Coca Cola signed with Tauranga Vananga to sponsor $22,000 over the next three years for the “CITC Pump the Beats” Tangi Kaara drumming competition for schools on Rarotonga.

The event not only highlights the student’s musical talents, but also emphasises the importance of preserving culture.

The secondary school teams who competed were: Nukutere College, Titikaveka College and Tereora College - Te Kou, Ikurangi, Te Manga and Maungaroa; Primary Schools: Apii Avarua, Nikao, Arorangi, Rutaki, Te Uki Ou, Takitumu and St Joseph’s.

The results for the ‘CITC Pump the Beats’ Emo’anga Tangi Kaara drumming competition are as follows: 1^st Apii Avarua - 625 points, 2^nd Apii Nikao - 623 points, 3^rd Apii Arorangi - 576 points. Secondary Schools: 1^st Tereora College Anau Maungaroa - 650 points, 2^nd Tereora College Anau Te Kou - 633 points, 3^rd Nukutere College - 582 points.