Delainavesi based band makes presence in west felt
Nadi revelled to the tune of the Delainavesi, Suvabased Washington Tin Band yesterday.
Despite the unfavourable weather hitting the West, the Jestset Town was thrilled to the melodies of the tin band as the members revealed their passion, commitment and stage presence in their modus operandi.
The variety of instruments, mostly recycled materials consisting of empty drums, containers, shakers and bottles, harmoniously brought in more flavour to the rhythm of the percussion, including the comedians on the frontline as bystanders stood in admiration. Washington Tin Band rookie Sakiusa Saurara, 17, is the youngest of the 17-member band.
He said being of the band gave him a sense of purpose, commitment and hope.
“The country is experiencing heavy rain and the Western Division has been encountering flash flooding,” he said.
“This rain is not going to spoil us from making a tour of the West which has been our tradition for some time now during the New Year celebrations.”
He said some band members would return to school this year. The band is mostly made up of school students and school dropouts in the area who decided to make some money this school holiday. “We left Suva on Wednesday in a minibus and hoped to bring happiness to people. We are here to free them from any sort of bondage,” Sakiusa said.
Meanwhile, the National Weather Forecasting Centre in Nadi yesterday advised that heavy rain and flooding was expected to continue affecting parts of the Fiji Group in the coming week.
“An active trough of low pressure remains slow moving just to the west of Viti Levu. Associated rain continues to affect the group,” the centre said in a statement. Meanwhile, a heavy rain warning remains in force for the Yasawa and Mamanuca Groups, interior and western parts of Viti Levu (greater Korolevu-Sigatoka-Nadi-LautokaBa-Tavua-Rakiraki area), Vatulele, Kadavu and the Lau Group.