Maamaloa Brass Band Photo: Supplied
Kalino Pongi Photo: Supplied
The Maamaloa Brass Band is a Tongan community band based in Auckland.
The band was formed just a few years ago in 2019, but it's already making its presence felt.
Earlier this year, it took part in the Australian National Band Championships - the first Tongan band from Aotearoa New Zealand to do so. And they achieved 4th place in the C-Grade.
"Not too bad for the first time!" says Kalino Pongi, the band's Musical Director.
Kalino spoke with Bryan Crump about forming the band, his own musical background, and why brass bands are so popular in Tonga.
