Pepeyo Cultural Group wins Futuna Talent Competition

The Pepeyo Cultural Group won the first-ever Futuna Cultural Talent Competition held in Port Vila last week, bringing top Futuna cultural groups on Efate for a celebration of tradition, music, and community pride.

Pepeyo Group took home a shield with a VT50,000 cash prize sponsored by Councilor Jennifer Kausei.

The runner-up, Futuna Fatuana Cultural Group (FFCG), received VT30,000, sponsored by Member of Parliament (MP) Jackson Lessa. FFCG aso won the Best Pacific Style Performance, valued at VT15,000 and sponsored by GM E’ Nauwi Beach Resort, Linda Kalpoi. They were further recognized with the Best Bottle Player award, which included a trophy and VT2,500, sponsored by Jennifer Kalpokas Doan.

Fatumanu Cultural Group claimed third place and receivedVT20,000 sponsored by General Manager of the National Bank of Vanuatu, Santos Vatoko.

Ekasup Cultural Group (ECG) received a consolation prize of VT10,000, along with the Best Bamboo Player award, which included a trophy and VT2,500, both generously sponsored by Ms Doan.

Organised by the Futuna Shipping Taskforce (FST), the event aimed to raise funds to secure a ship for Futuna Island, addressing long-standing transportation challenges faced by the community.

The turnout was impressive, with crowds from Futuna and surrounding communities filling the venue. Dignitaries from the New Zealand High Commission, Australian High Commission, VLab, and the Vanuatu Tourism Office, were also in attendance.

“The performances were outstanding, and we discovered new talents that we had not seen before,” said a member of FST.

“The stage, sound, and lighting sponsored by Prime Minister Jotham Napat, were all up to professional standards, which made the event even more special,” Natuoivi added.

FST is still finalizing funds raised through food stalls, entrance tickets, kava, and handicraft sales.

Funds will go towards the community’s goal of acquiring LC Varona I, a landing craft that will improve transportation for Futuna Island.

Natuoivi said since independence in 1980, Futuna people have struggled with unreliable transport.

He further emphasized that the competition was not only about raising funds but also about celebrating Futuna’s rich culture and traditions.

The competition featured four well-known cultural groups—PCG, FFCG, FCG, and ECG—who regularly perform at resorts, hotels, and cultural villages, and have represented Vanuatu internationally.