Aotearoa’s Pacific music scene welcomes a new anthem with the release of “VITI”, a powerful new single from MOSO (Fonotī Pati Peni Umaga) featuring celebrated Fijian multidisciplinary artist and poet DKPOET (Daren Kamali). This vibrant and culturally layered track drops on Tuesday, June 10, 2025.
VITI is more than just a song — it is a powerful act of cultural reclamation. Sung entirely in the Fijian Bauan dialect, the track weaves ancestral lyricism with Pacific soul-funk and spoken word, creating a soundscape that bridges the traditional and the contemporary. It pays homage to Indigenous musical heritage while reflecting the modern realities of identity, resilience, and cultural connection. Both a tribute to ancestral wisdom and a bold statement of presence, VITI channels themes of reconnection and pride through evocative lyrics, rhythmic chant, and genre-defying instrumentation — making it a resonant anthem for today’s Pacific peoples.
"This track reconnects me with my language, my people, and our stories — a celebration of Indigenous Pacific truth through sound," says DKPOET (Daren Kamali), whose poetic vocals ground the song in lived experience and reverence and anchor's the track in deep authenticity.
The single was produced by Pati Umaga, a respected figure in the NZ/Samoan music community known for his contributions to the music industry and disability advocacy.
DKPOET (Daren Kamali) brings his trademark lyrical depth and cultural voice to the song, carrying the narrative with power and grace.
Backing vocals are provided by Pauline Tanielu-Sauvao and Martha Samasoni, with musical contributions from guest artists Levani Vosasi, Jonathen Tuiketei, and Sola. The single was mixed and mastered by Thomas Tetaite and recorded at Massey University’s studios in Wellington. It is released under the Banana Leaf 4 and DKreations labels.
About the Artists
DKPOET (Daren Kamali) is a published poet, musician, and cultural storyteller of Fijian Wallis and Futuna heritage. His multidisciplinary work spans poetry, performance, sound art, and song. Kamali is a founding member of the Street Poets & Artists Collective Enterprise (SPACE) and has performed across the Pacific and internationally. His work bridges ancestral knowledge and contemporary expression, using his voice as a vessel for decolonial narratives, lived experience, and preserving Pacific languages.
Recent milestones include his 2024 residency at the Michael King Writers Centre, presenting at the Festival of Pacific Arts in Hawai’i, and leading The Ulumate Project exhibitions in Fiji and Aotearoa.
Fonotī Pati Peni Umaga (MOSO) is a renowned NZ/Samoan composer, musician, and producer. Known for his work as a bass guitarist and for championing the rights and stories of Pacific and Disabled communities, Umaga continues to push boundaries in the music world through cultural expression, innovation, and inclusivity.'
Thank you to NZ On Air for supporting the music recording, music video, and promotion/marketing/distribution of this project. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Moana Boosted (crowdfunding platform), Creative New Zealand, the Arts Foundation NZ, and all the generous public donors whose contributions made it possible for two of our team to travel to Fiji for the music video shoot. Your support has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life — vinaka vakalevu
A Path Forward
The release of VITI is a pivotal moment for both artists as they build toward an Album.
The single will be available on all streaming platforms from June 17, 2025.