Hala Kuo Papa // 'Atenisi Alumni 

Being Samoan, I can never, and I mean never, get enough of the Tongan Harmony. I have always stated that no others countries harmonize the way Polynesians do! I love it!

I'm from Greenland in the arctic, and this sound exactly like an greenlandic choir! There is so much beauty in culture, language and pride ❤️

This is a song about life especially new generations come while old generations faded. It is full of proverbs and wise words. However only tge title l can translate. It is called "Hala kuo papa" means "the road that has been travelled by many many in the past, so it has become hardened and plain that everyone in life must go through it . I can say that it refers to fates of life like death etc. because the song is in a funeral, so it means that everyone in life must die or life must end on the other words. Regardless of all your success and hardworks e.g this is a funeral of a Tongan professor. Everyone must die just like everyone in the past. Death is not a new thing in life. Hope it helps to my fellow brothers who do not know the lyrics. What l just says is only a part of the deep meaning of the song. The song was created by the 3rd queen of Tonga. One part of the chorus (where people start dancing )means the the road is clear that everyone must go through it. So just let us have joy because the flag is still up and march in the front. This means that death is not a new thing. Let us have joy and courage becuase life is still continue. The end of some people's life does not means the end of us all. Each of us has a task to complete. The people’s performance is not dancing, it’s showing respect, thanks, courage, joy, sad and farewell at the same time!!! Overall: Song name: The paved road meaning:”The fates of life”

Maori but proud to be poly and love our cousins of the pacific and respect all of our cultures one love.

Respect from Maluku Melanesia. So much similarities

Tongans are holding the fort of their language, and cultures for all of their Poly brothers and sisters...

THIS IS THE BEST VERSION OF "HALA KUO PAPA" FKMAFANAAAAAAA

I suggest listening to this with noise cancelling headphones man it really makes you appreciate the harmonising in it’s pure form. ❤️✊🏽

this is at the funeral ceremony for Professor of Tongan arts Futa Helu. He did a lot to spread and preserve Tongan traditions, and I hope he is resting well

you can really hear the ancestors in their vocals, very amazing

The man in the wheelchair was best friends with my Mum, they both new each other because he went to Atenisi College with my Mums older brother. Atenisi College is the school that the deceased was a Professor at during the time. So, over the years my Mum lost touch with the man in the wheelchair, not having seen each other since 1999 in Canberra, Australia. This was also at time where the man was able to walk, so watching my Mum bawl her eyes out when she saw her old friend spread his arms out like an eagle and start dancing to a composition of Queen Salote after many years of not seeing him made my day. So I would like to thank those who made this video possible, and our Heavenly Father for keeping this strong bright man alive, God Bless.

As a Samoan I've got to be honest, out of all Polynesia Tonga has to be the best at harmonizing🇹🇴😌🥰 Ofa atu mei Ha'amoa🇦🇸🇼🇸 my Tongan famili🙌🏽💯❤❤🌺🌴

its 2023 and iv just come across this video for the 1st time😃😃 thank god for RU-vid

Distinctive part of of having the Tongan blood line is that once we hit the power trip or mode our hearts grow 100 times bigger of an average size heart and than WE ARE UNSTOPPABLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My gosh that lead man's voice is HEKTIK!!! exactly like the recording! BEAUTIFUL!

Being Fijian, though I cannot understand Tongan, the harmony brought me tears.

Even as a Samoan.. How could this not fill you with pride?? Ugh!! Goosebumps!! ♥️

Don’t understand a single word but I feel every bar ✊🏾

Amazing... That's why islander are so unique.. You can't teach natural choirs.👏👏👏👏👏

im samoan but hearing the vioices and rythm of this song really is beautiful to any culture or country in the south pacific!!!

I’m samoan but this right here just pierce though your bones and soul....malie Tonga

Fijian here and am also a huge fan of this song..sounds very traditional..malo malo...

USO rite here but I love this. Can’t stop listening the authenticity to real island songs. Respect 🇹🇴

The lead singer he's my Math and science teacher, His name is Vailala, If u heard about the first one and only professor in tonga is his Father PROFESSOR Futa Helu. REST IN PEACE PROFESSOR FUTA HELU.!!

When the man in the chair raises his arms cheehoo moment yawp

The voices of our ancestors flowing through my people! 'Ofa lahi atu

FROM KOSRAE, MICRONESIA! WATCHED THIS EVERY YEAR!GREAT JOB TONGAN FAM! KATO KATO!!!🎉❤

Natural voices of the pacific...Alofa atu Tonga mai Samoa👏🏾👏🏾🇼🇸🇼🇸🇹🇴🇹🇴

Born in Tonga, grew up in Australia. Never was into the cultural and traditional aspects, But my parents were. Listening to this song brings back memories of happiness/sadness and watching our boys play 'MMT'/Rugby League showed me that our people are ONE. 30 years of cultural neglect i was looking for comforts elsewhere, i guess thats the perks of growing up in another Country, but the answer was right there, in my blood. GOD above all, Humility, to be proud and especially Family, that is Tongan to me. My kids will forever be proud of their Tongan heritage. For God and Country.

Raw natural voices of Polynesia without a need for instruments..Just beautiful!

What a wonderful tribute by his students! You've managed to honor his memory and carry on his work of educating the next generation through your labor of love. Well done.

This is what us Lauan(FIJI) do in any function and we call it Pesi.i love this kind of natural songs with storytelling.

The road traveled by many since 100,000 years ago and more. A tribute to all our moanan ancestors. Tue Tonga, Malie Tonga

Beautiful beautiful beautiful singing. Alofa from Samoa

The fact that part of the song is about having a discussion or chat at night and the singing is at night, with the crickets making noises at the background thus making it much more authentic, taking you back on a cultural journey to dwell and mingle with your forefathers in the past. Truely amazing singing of pride and respect. MALO.

soo proud to be a poly. Even though with all our differences about our traditions and customs but when it comes to music, it shows how talented we are. But this set peace from our neighbour country of TONGA, its just beautiful. #TeamPoly here, all the way from Tuvalu

Respect for Futa Helu from a Samoan Manuka

Tongans singing in harmony is one of the most powerful sounds in the whole south Pacific for example the kids @ 3:42

1st time i heard this peice was through one of my close mates....listened to this a few times. That mate has recently passed away and now this song will forever be one of my favs...RIP my uso😢

Respect to all Tongan choir...so fantastic like none other...dont ever stop..love from Aotearoa

Fakalofa lahi atu from Niue

Tangata Maohi ahau. Manea rava teia Imene tapu. So deep and rich. Unquie. Feeling deep in my soul. Love this. 2018 ie koko.

Old tradition chanting is pure perfect...

I'm Fijian, with a mixture of Tongan, Irish and English blood and recently I've learnt that I have Chinese and German as well.This song made me miss my grandfather, passed away in 2002 but I miss him like crazy. John Sau'aki Besetimoala may you R.I.P. PAPA❤❤❤

As a Tokelauan we celebrate the life of a recently deceased by singing and dancing, more as a tribute/dedication to their life and the legacy they left behind. Very powerful tribute ❤️

God bless Tonga and her people...from Fiji with love

So much respect to my islander brothers and sisters out ther may God bless u guys

This songs makes me proud of my Tongan Ancestors 🇹🇴❤ malo

Im Samoan but ive always loved this poem of Queen Salote! Malo Tonga Tapu!

Kuou loto fiefia he 'asi e video ko eni he RU-vid. I always come back to watch this when I can, to not only reconnect with my roots as a ta'ahine Tonga, but also to play it for my family who love to listen to this song. Ma'alahi 'aupito! Besides, koe fasi eni mei he Kolokalala hhhhh and I'm from there. This is for keeps. Rest in eternal peace Palofesa 'Ilaisa Futa 'I Ha'angana Helu 🕊🤍

Tongans are so rich with Love and Culture! It's crazy how Tongans can harmonize anything. I can listen to them sing all day even though I dont understand a thing! I wish I was Tongan so I can be born with a golden voice! lol

I’m Samoan and don’t understand a word in tongan but I know off by heart all these old tongan traditional songs and this is one of my favourites 🇹🇴🇦🇸🇼🇸

I'm a micronesian and loving this beautiful song, great voices with cool dances... I love it. (on repeat)

mens voice like a roaring lions,terrifying hhhh, but its natural melodies.....

Another Cousin from Aotearoa stopping buy to share the Aroha. Our tupuna Islands keeping it real with beautiful proverbs in their music. Love the explanations to the song given in the comments. Beautiful. 💪🏾✊🏾 Soon as it hits "Ko e Hala Kua pa..." Aww bro, we on.🕺

Much love for my Tongan Brothers and sisters from Samoa. Ofa Atu

Ne u nofo pe 'i he Hauhau-'o-tangata 'o fanongo he tue mo e fakalavetala 'a e manu launoa 'oku toli e kakala to'ona hono mausa, pea teki e sola 'o kata Pe'i nonga ho'o fifili ka te u fakamatala ko homau ve'eve'e tui ki he po tatala 'o hai 'i Fuipa pea mo e 'otu fanga (repeat X 2) si'i tu'u 'a Tongaleva pea mo e faka-Asava Ka to 'a e malu pea huni e moana (repeat X 2) Ko e ha ha'o lau touliki si'i Manavanga he tala atu 'oku taka mo e fakangalongata'a Tamaiki, pe'i hu'i 'a e kakala 'o luva he kei tu'u 'a e Angitoa pea mo e Painimu'a Tuku a ke ngatuvai 'i he Uafu-ko-Vuna ke 'ilo'i 'e Tonga ni, ko si'omau tu'unga Ko e hala kuo papa talu e kilukilua (talu e kilukilua) Hake 'i Vaha'akolo 'i he ahi mo e vunga Ka tau tue tue 'oku kei fusi 'a e fuka ('oku kei fusi 'ae fuka) 'Oku kapa-'i-vai 'olive 'o e Hifofua Pea 'ilo 'e he poto pea moe kaimu'a Kuila e Lomipeau kuo taha ai 'a e ua

Wow beautiful song. Thumbs up all the way from Micronesia....

Fijian but i instantly fell in love with this chant. It's beautiful, touching and moving!!! Malie Tonga. Vinaka...

Love watching this video. Just to see how BEAUTIFUL this song is and I am Samoan. Much respect to the Tongan culture!

Uwi!!! Gentleman on chair soar like eagle joyful heart malo malo.

Was introduced to this song through my dad who was Sione Faingaa Vea who attended Tonga College Atele. He was a part of the group Afokoula that traveled and sang many songs including this one. Ofa atu kau tama.

Fijian.......Such songs always soothes the soul...

Samoan but a huge fan of this song 💕💞 #Tokouso #PolyBlood

First time I seen this it made me tear up.. revisit it again and it did the same thing. Malie Tonga!!

The lead singers got a hectik voice, love our beautiful islands 🌴 love from Sydney ❤️

The thing is when you listen to island chants i dont know but you have to a pacific islander to understand but its the wonders of hearing acapella music sang like this is so enchanting. I dont understand a lick of what they are singing about but its hearing old music sung like this,it just takes you back to the old days and how music was probably for your grandparents in their time.

Wow ten dislike...no culture or sense of identity for those lost souls...this is TRUE tongan pride from the heart.

I love how all Poly cultures are similar ! Like my grandpa always says “so’o le fau i le fau”.translating into : Join the Hibiscus fibre with hibiscus fibre. Meaning Unity Is Strength.

I honestly love the voices... similar with Rotuman culture

Mate Ma'a This clip reminds me that my people is not a dying race, and that we are just getting stronger! Ofa atu

My friend showed me this and I instantly fell in love with the harmony.

Beautiful authentic traditional Tongan singing. Love it. I'm Fijian with Tongan connections through my maternal side.

Beautiful !Malo Tonga ! Im a Fijian but Im so damn proud of how your culture and tradition.

I still watch this film and love the way they sing this song, Rip kihe helo moe tangata Fonua Palofesa Futa Helu, ke oua ngalo ae ngaue moe ofa lahi Naa ke fkhoko ihe maama Ko eni ofa lahi kihe ene fanau moe famili.. ofa atu Frm Sacramento. I would play this daily takes me back home sweet memories of Tonga 🇹🇴 Vava’u Ofu to my gparents

🇹🇴🇹🇴🇹🇴 MMT ofa atu When you know your island represents the kingdom of our Heavenly Father 😍🇹🇴❤️

I love listening nd watchn this video. OVER N OVER AGAIN. I truly love the tongan culture. There such a proud people. Of their beautiful culture.... I'm not Tongan. But Torres Strait Islander with Polynesian background.

Ancient Tongan Hala Kuo Papa is the entranced Au o Manavanga to the Tuitonga compound of Tapuhia Kolopelu Lapaha Pea and the Stonework Langi tons of Stones transported by giant Kalia Vessels to built the Langi oe Tuitonga the Supreme rulers of Polynesia ♥️👑

Bruh, such powerful voices, it sounds like they singing in a cathedral! Malolelei.

What a beautiful piece of history - beautifully written and layered. I'm Samoan but love & admired all strong island ethnic traditional songs. This will have to be one of my favourite Tongan composition of all time. Much respect & alofa to you all.

my heart is lfited from this song....mu soul expanded .....brothers and sisters from the poly culture Tongan or Saomoan... thank you so much....ya saved an old war hoses life blessings and love for all polly cultures all my love and thanks.......wish i knew the words in your culture...thank you family i LOVE you all

Le'o fulumaliliē o Toga lasi....maliē maliē kaíga 'alofaína o TOGA lasi....

I recommend listening on good headphones or earphones, sounds amazing reverb is superb well balanced almost processed. Yet it's stunningly oh naturall

Beautiful voices of Niulala Helu, the men, and women, so close to the Afo Koula recording, Malie Atenisi Alumni!!

Malo kaiga on chair looks like above sky as i wishes be joining.malo

Celestial language.

Correct me if I am wrong but the gentleman in the wheelchair is Professor Dr. Siosiua Lafitani - I came across his podcasts on FB live and recognised him as the 'faiva malie guy' on this video. Still an absolute favourite of mine this chant and video.

Born in Tonga but grew up in New Zealand .. but love listening to songs like this and old school tongan songs (dad always/still blast in his car wherever he goes) reminds of the fams back home ❤❤❤🇹🇴🇹🇴🤙 Proud to be everything and anything Tongan ❤❤❤

Paula Moimoi Latu, I want to commend you for all your hard work bringing our traditional songs, dances, speeches, celebrations, funerals both in Tonga and overseas accessible especially those of us abroad. Your videos are not only clear but seems to tell the stories on their own. Keep up the good work and God bless! Your fan from Washington DC

The guy in the wheelchair brought me to tears

R.I.P Futa truly an under-appreciated champion of education in Tonga!

Samoan but man this song is tooo seki...Good sound no instrumetns just vocals ! sekia man

Beautifull !!!! Love from New Caledonia !

At 3:42 thats when maui changed to the eagle and at 4:09 moana got up and started to pull the sails for the conoe.

As a kid this was one of the reasons I wanted to tag along with my gma to every funeral she went to. Its an experience ♥️

Simply beautiful. Many samoans (if they take their nationalistic glasses off) will admit that they admire Tongan song and dance very much. Malo le saasaa ma le pese matagofie. Tamaolema'a (samoan).

Marie! love the traditional waiata can feel the mana. Nga mihi nui tonu

This is literally my go to song if I want my mood to be lifted. Lol. Such a beautiful rendition of such a poetic song. The late Queen Salote was gifted in ways that I wish we had interviews or more of her writings at hand.

I tear up everytime I watch this. #proudTongan

Why I love my Polynesian cousins! No one can harmonize and create such a soothing atmosphere like we do... Much aloha from your Hawaiian cousins! E malamapono mai 'oukou i ko'u mau hoahanau kona, Aloha hou.