TONGAN GOSPEL SONG - HIMI - OFAANGE 'A E 'OTUA E - ALIPATE LIAVA'A

ALIPATE LIAVAA one of the legendary Tongan Gospel Singers who revitalizes the Original harmony and compositions of traditional Hymnals into a much more contemporary and strong harmonious taste.

Firstly to understand the concept of Contemporary Gospel music, is music that is written to express either personal or a communal belief regarding Christian life, as well as (in terms of the varying music styles) to give a Christian alternative to mainstream secular music. Like other forms of Christian music the creation, performance, significance, and even the definition of gospel music varies according to culture and social context. Contemporary Gospel music is composed and performed for many purposes, including aesthetic pleasure, religious or ceremonial purposes, and as an entertainment product for the marketplace.

However, a common theme of most contemporary gospel music is praise, worship or thanks to God, Christ, or the Holy Spirit. In general it is characterized by dominant vocals (often with strong use of harmony) referencing lyrics of a religious nature, particularly Christian. Most common forms of Contemporary gospel music utilize choirs, use piano and/or Hammond organ, drums, bass guitar and, increasingly, electric guitar. In comparison with hymns, which are generally of a statelier measure, the gospel song is expected to have a refrain and often a more syncopated rhythm.

ALIPATE is well known with one of his signatured song of KO KOE PE HOKU OFAANGA which is a song is not only appealed in the secular sense to most Tongan listeners but also brought about a religious message of great anticipation to trust the Almighty God as the main source of our lives.

Even though ALIPATE for the last few years has pursued a career in Boxing, but the last time I saw him was in Australia on March 2010, singing at the KAMI FAMILYS GOSPEL FESTIVAL. He still have the vivacious voice to hit the high notes and Praise the Lord again.

Thank you PATE for your contribution and keep the new songs coming...