The Works：Rooftop Institute's "Hok Hok Zapp", Tonga's koloa at ParaSite & in the studio: jazz singer

For those of us who think we might keep them, the beginning of the new year can be a good time to make resolutions, such as to start a new chapter in life or learn something new. “Hok Hok Zapp” is Cantonese for learning. It is also the name of a two-year project that promotes communal learning in Hong Kong organised by Rooftop Institute.

The Kingdom of Tonga in the south western Pacific Ocean is made up of some 170 islands and has a rich Polynesian culture and many traditional arts and crafts. One category of those arts is “koloa” or customary women’s art. On show at Para Site till 24th February, “Koloa: Women, Art, and Technology” is a rare presentation of the life-long research of Tunakaimanu Fielakepa, the kingdom’s foremost authority on “koloa”. It includes a rich collection of some of the main elements of “koloa”, including bark cloth making, fine weaving, and creating ceremonial mats, and weaving ropes.

Hong Kong born and raised Joses Liu received her vocal training under the tutelage of such veteran local musicians as Tony Carpio and Christine Samson. She regularly performs at intimate local and regional venues and at private functions. Her debut album “J for Jazz” contains a mix of English, Cantonese, and Mandarin songs, jazz standards and pop tunes in a style inspired by female vocalists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Diana Krall and Esperanza Spalding. She’s here right now to tell us more.