While New Zealand’s famous “All Blacks” rugby team, so called because of their blacked-out uniforms, are often given the most attention for their “Haka” dance and song before games, the Fijian rugby team deserves way more attention, particularly from Christians. That’s because it, instead of doing a tribal dance before games, sings a Christian hymn to honor the Lord before the game begins.
The hymn that the Fiji Bati team signs is called “Noqu Masu.” That term translates as “This is my prayer,” and it is treated as a cross between a blessing and a prayer that is “sung by the players and fans before Fiji plays rugby or rugby league.”
Another hymn the team sings is the “Au sa kila ni na tuberi au,” which translates as “I know the Lord will make a way for me.” Describing it, Classic FM noted that “In every note you can feel the pride and passion, as they sing the song that’s important to both team and nation.”
Describing the nature of music from Fiji and the Polynesian region generally, Classic FM also noted that “Polynesian singing is characterised by rich, natural harmony which is often improvised by the singers, as well as its tone and spirit of togetherness. In Fiji, like many Polynesian countries, communal singing is a big part of daily life.”
More than just being beautiful, the hymns also have been present as the “Flying Fijians” marched to victory over Australia in the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Playing Australia on the 18th of September, the Flying Fijians managed to beat out the Australians 15-22, their first victory over Australia since 1954. Though Fiji didn’t win the tournament overall, South Africa did, it was still an exciting victory for the tiny island nation.
In any case, those who have managed to find videos of the Flying Fijians singing their hymns tend to find it quite beautiful and powerful. One poster on X, for example, said, “Spent 30 minutes last night watching the Fijian rugby team sing hymns before their matches. An image of heaven tbh.” Then, posting a video of the singing, that user added, “Just listen to these absolute kings sing to the Lord before a match.”
Watch the shared video here:
Commenters on the video found it delightful and the somewhat surprising news that Fiji is a Christian nation all the better. One commenter, for example, added, “Found out that Fiji is a very Christian nation with a significant amount of devout believers. This seems reflected in the way they represent their culture.” Replying, another commenter said, “Majority of Polynesian nations are devout Christians who take their faith very seriously.”
Another focused on the surprisingly good singing of the rugby players, saying, “They sing pretty well for a rugby team. I like the combination of elements they’re doing. There’s a part that’s ‘mine’ & a part that isn’t, but which I can appreciate.” Similarly, another added, “There is big pacific island population around me here in Brisbane. Most are blessed with angelic voices, it’s incredible. Very hard working, family, church people.”
Featured image credit: screengrab from the embedded video