The powerful rhythms of the tangi ka’ara traditional drums reverberated through Te Are Karioi as college students across Rarotonga showcased their mastery of drumming techniques, thrilling the audience on Friday night.

Tereora College featured the three teams of Anau Ikurangi, Anau Te Kou and Anau Te Manga, with Titikaveka College showcasing their top drummers in the annual Tauranga Vananga CITC Pump the Beats’ Emo’anga Tangi Ka’ara 2024 event.

Each team performed their exceptional skills with an infectious energy that drew lively applause.

However, there could only be one champion.

Anau Te Kou from Tereora College placed second overall in the CITC Pump the Beats’ Emo’anga Tangi Ka’ara 2024 Secondary School's drumming competition. MELINA ETCHES/24062315

Anau Ikurangi from Tereora College captivated the audience with their unified composed rhythms, taking home with them the top champion trophy, $1000 cash from CITC and a $200 voucher from Vodafone.

Their winning team of Derek Doherty, George Rouru, Sounu’u Kaveao-Gempton, Eldain Richard, Saungaki Mamia, Edmund Postrzygacz, Robert Savage, Kahl Frederick, Adam Kirikava and Matangaro Strickland, was tutored by Mii Simona.

Simona said he was overjoyed to see the boys win the coveted trophy.

“I felt so happy for these kids winning, and I believe they deserved it because they have gone through a lot to be here,” said Simona.

“The drumming practices weren’t easy; it was hard work and they have to put in a lot of time and effort to get here – they deserve it.”

Titikaveka College placed third in the CITC Pump the Beats’ Emo’anga Tangi Ka’ara 2024 Secondary Schools drumming competition. MELINA ETCHES/24062310

Lead drummer Matangaro Strickland said: “I’m so proud of the boys for what we have achieved since we have worked so hard to be here, we would like to thank our tutor.”

Anau Ikurangi featured 13-year-old Edmund Postrzygacz from Poland who inspired the crowd and impressed emcee George George, CITC’s Brand manager, with his drumming skills.

Postrzygacz has lived in Rarotonga for 11 years with his family and has grown to appreciate and have a passion for Cook Islands culture.

“I find drumming inspiring, when I was in primary school watching drumming, I just wanted to learn so I started. This is awesome,” he said.

Drummers from the champion Anau Ikurangi of Tereora College perform at the CITC Pump the Beats’ Emo’anga Tangi Ka’ara 2024 Secondary Schools drumming competition on Friday night at the National Auditorium. MELINA ETCHES/24062312

CITC general manager Gaye Whitta presented the major prizes for the groups alongside Pare Kaveao from Vodafone Cook Islands.

Whitta expressed that CITC is very proud to be a major sponsor of the cultural event for the second time, which showcases the skills and passion of young and upcoming talent.

She said the CITC Pump the Beats’ Emo’anga Tangi Ka’ara 2024 is not just a competition, the event appreciates and pays tribute to the rhythms and the echoes of culture through generations inspiring the future.

The Emo’anga Tangi Ka'ara Drumming Challenge Prize Giving awards are as follows.

Anau Te Manga from Tereora College in the CITC Pump the Beats’ Emo’anga Tangi Ka’ara 2024 Secondary Schools drumming competition. MELINA ETCHES/24062313

1st – Anau Ikurangi - $1000 cash from CITC and a $200 voucher from Vodafone; 2nd – Anau Te Kou - $800 cash and a $100 voucher from Vodafone; 3rd place – Titikaveka College - $700 cash from CITC and a $100 voucher from Vodafone; Consolation – Anau Te Manga received $400 cash from CITC.