Imene tuki

An imene tuki is a traditional hymn of the Cook Islands. It is accompanied singing noted for a drop and raise in pitch at the end of phrases, and rhythmic nonsensical syllables, comparable to Scat singing. Similar syllables and improvisations are found in Tahitian Himene tarava.^[1]

Hymn

The hymn commonly features four different harmonies. It contains a female soprano melody called a perepere, and a male bass line with rhythmic grunting. The performers also sway their arms left and right to the tune of the music.^[2]

Location of performance

The song is usually played at church, and other religious locations. The dance is often called "Christian dancing", due its context.^[2] An example of one of these performances occurred at the Cook Islands Christian Church at Titikaveka, where it was sung by many native children.^[3]

History

Imene tuki was documented by missionaries arriving in the island in the 19th century. They were impressed by the scattered sounds, rhythmic chanting, and swaying of the music.^[4]