Pacific island songs

Songs and musical styles and instruments in the Pacific vary from one region and island to another. Different chants are used at the various events held by Pacific peoples. They may serve a ritual purpose at ceremonies such as those marking births, weddings, and funerals. Other musical genres are used for religious or spiritual ceremonies and still others to punctuate daily life. Songs are often composed to commemorate an important event or historical memory or to mark a significant event. Like traditional poetry, different songs and chants are used in specific contexts. Songs and chants are used to complement traditional dancing.