A Pacific Unite: Saving Lives Together, is the first televised and digitally streamed concert by the United Nations to call on leaders and citizens across the region to work together with the rest of the world in the fight against COVID-19.

It premiers on August 15 on Television Tonga and other broadcasters around the region. Tonga's massed Tupou College Choir and Mia Kami are among the performers.

Tupou College Principal Rev Dr ‘Alifeleti ‘Atiola told Matangi Tonga today, the choir will perform Whispering Hope (Himi 663 - Sila ki Vai) conducted by 'Eloni Niu with vocalists Siupeli Lilo, Max Nikua, Taulango Tongotongo, Mckenly Fine, Siosifa Vaka and Christian Maileseni on the ukulele. The song was introduced by Siaosi Tupoulahi Tuku'aho.

He said the whole school was at the assembly on June 25, the day of the recording.

"Registration is a little more than a 1,000 but I would say about 900+ were in the assembly. Recording was live at the Moulton Chapel. We were happy to be part of this virtual concert for its purpose."

He said they were invited from the Office in Suva to take part. They were looking for the choir that entertained Prince Harry and Meghan with the 'Mosquito Song" at the Toloa Rainforest, in 2018.

We chose the song 'Whispering Hope', which has a Tongan version in the FWC Hymn Book called 'Sila ki Vai'. It talks about Whispers from Heaven (Fafana 'a Langi) that brings courage to the weary and hope to the depressed, he said.

“The message is to keep our hope alive. For amidst this global pandemic, God is not deserting us.”

Unite

Meanwhile, the United Nations said the concert [2] will be hosted by Aunty Tala from the Laughing Samoans.

Other performers include Jah Boy (Solomon Islands); Jay Hoad (Australia); Juny B (Kiribati); Justin Wellington (PNG), Kendal T (Palau), Nem & Talei (Fiji), Paulini (Australia), Poly Flavour (Samoa); Skillz (Fiji); Stan Antas (Vanuatu), Te Vaka (New Zealand); Tiki Taane (New Zealand), Tropikana Breeze (Tuvalu), Vanessa Quai (Vanuatu), Yosh (Vanuatu), UN Messenger of Peace Yo-Yo Ma(USA) and more.

“This concert is an opportunity for the geographically remote Pacific region to connect with each other and the rest of the world, recognising that we must work together to beat COVID-19 and build a better future. During the virtual concert, UN leaders, heads of state and celebrities will commit to supporting the fight against COVID-19, also calling on everyone at home to play a part by adapting to the new normal.”

The concert will pay tribute to essential workers across the Pacific for the work they’ve done so far to prevent transmission and save lives, said UN Resident Coordinator for ten countries in the Pacific, Sanaka Samarasinha. 

“But we must remain vigilant as COVID-19 is still raging around the world. At the same time, we see the devastation it has already caused for our island nations, destroying the livelihoods of many, disrupting education, stretching basic health services, increasing nutritional deficiencies of children and undermining the human rights of those who were already vulnerable – especially women and girls, people with disabilities, youth, migrant workers, refugees and the elderly.”

"The Pacific Unite virtual concert is a call, through music and art, for continued solidarity across the region as we face this unprecedented challenge together. It is also a reminder that as we rise up as a family of nations, we must seize the opportunity to build a more inclusive and resilient Pacific and a more sustainable and equitable world."

Appearances will also be made from the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, Fiji National Rugby Sevens Team, Oscar-winning actor and Sustainable Development Goals Advocate Forest Whitaker, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Fiji Prime Minister Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama, Tuvalu Prime Minister Kausea Natano, Miss Pacific Islands 2018-19 Leoshina Kariha, UNAIDS Pacific Goodwill Ambassador Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, celebrity chef Robert Oliver; HRH Princess Salote Mafile'o Pilolevu Tuita of Tonga, Director of the World Health Organisation Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Palau President Tommy Remengesau, and more.

It will be aired by broadcasters including Fiji Broadcasting Commission, Vanuatu Broadcasting and Television Corporation, Tonga Broadcasting Commission, Pacific Cooperation Broadcasting Limited, 103.5 FM (Marshall Islands), PAOA FM (Solomon Islands), Palau National Communication Corporation, and others. The concert will also be streamed on the United Nations in the Pacific Facebook page and UN Web TV.