Song of the South Seas - The Life and Music of Bill Sevesi
1992 Short film
- Documentary
- Music
- Pasifika
Bill Sevesi was the 'Godfather' of Polynesian music in New Zealand; his impact can be heard in the strum of ukeleles in classrooms across the country. In this 24-minute film Sevesi (born Wilfred Jeffs) narrates his life story, including his childhood in Tonga, making his first guitar, and his role in bringing Pacific Island music into the dance halls of 1940's and 50's New Zealand. Sevesi's bands mixed Hawaiian steel guitar with pop tunes of the day, resulting in sunny hits like 'Kissing Hula'. Watch out for uke player Sione Aleki, Tonga's answer to Jimi Hendrix.
Key Cast & Crew
CT
Chris Todd
Co-Director
RS
Richard Scott
Cinematographer
CW
Chris Williams
Co-Director







