Mancini

Jazz-infused track 'Mancini' was the second single from award-winning Tokelauan vocalist Sulata Foa'i-Amiatu, and the song went on to open her debut album Kia Koe (1997), released on the R&B and hip hop-centric Deepgrooves label. The video evokes sophisticated city vibes, opening with Sulata's smooth vocals gliding over what sounds like a telephone dial tone and synth wash as the artist comes into focus on-screen. Disconnected scenes — many set in 90s Auckland hotspot Alba Cafe, which was next door to the record company's office — are interspersed with scratched-up shots of Sulata and cameos from labelmates such as Ermehn.

Yeah, Henry Mancini, it’s true. There’s a sample from one of his tracks and I just thought, Mancini. Everyone said it was too tacky a title, but I didn’t care, I wanted it. But I’ve had a lot of Island people saying "What’s that track Man – seen?"

– Sulata Foa'i-Amiatu on the inspiration behind the name of her second single, Elsewhere website, Graham Reid, 28 February 1997

Key Cast & Crew

Kane Massey

Director