By REUBEN AOPI
Papua New Guinea’s singing sensation Moses Tau was born on May 16, 1969, the very same day he died.
Moses Gou was then adopted by his elder sister, hence, the change of his surname to Tau (as reported by his biological sister, Alice Gou, during an interview with PNG TV, shortly after he had passed, May 16, 2018 on his birthday) when he turned 49.
Little did she know that a star was being placed in her arms to love and to be raised. God Bless the people of Barakau for that and for many other great things.
Moses Tau was what Papua New Guineans came to know.
He later adopted a very catchy and extravagant stage name, Moshanty.
I grew up in a tiny island called Daru.
We had a tape recorder which belonged to my elder brother, Wesley.
Moses and the Reflections was the name of the cassette we had along with a CD from his album Moses Says Aloha.
They played endlessly.
The style of music he had was superb and contagious.
The type that would leave you tapping your foot and the next thing you know, you’re swaying your hips.
I’m typing this with no regrets as I have my headphones blasting with "Penekovu Medu bona Hurehure’’, which means rain and waves in the Motu language.
A song sung about a canoe.
One of my personal favourites.
He was a vibrant soul, one who literally lit up the room whenever he entered.
Moses was full of joy and always eager to help out, no matter what the problem was.I
will always be grateful for that.
In 2016, we had our Christmas Party here in Digicel’s HQ.
I was told to phone Moshanty and have him join us as per my boss' request.
I was starstuck and lost for words when he picked up on the other side of the line.
An absolute privilege it was.
Fans gathered and took to social media to remember and commemorate his life.
Let's bid him farewell as we mourn the loss of a lively, dignified soul.
A soul that brought joy and fulfilment to many, and whose legacy will live on forever.
You would feel the heat and love in the air every time he took the stage.
He knew what his audience wanted and delivered it with passion and humour.
A bloody entertainer he was and will forever be remembered for that.
Moshanty was the very essence of compassion, of duty, of style, of beauty.
He actively participated and performed at various medical fundraisers, weddings and family gathering without fail.
He was also an advocate for the LGBT Community in Papua New Guinea.
LGBT persons in Papua New Guinea face legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBT residents.
Attitudes towards LGBT people are greatly influenced by churches and the Melanesian way of life as the majority of Papua New Guineans claim to be believers of the Christian faith.
Despite all that, he lived his life to the very fullest, if I may put it that way and to which many would agree with me.
He was never afraid of what came his way. Talk about the struggles one has to endure every day.
A legend, period.
All over Papua New Guinea he was a symbol of selfless humanity.
All over the Pacific, a standard-bearer for the rights of the truly downtrodden, a local talent who transcended nationality. Someone with natural nobility who was classless.
He proved in the years he walked on this earth that he needed no royal title to continue to generate his particular brand of magic.
Papua New Guinea has lost a legend.
1969-2018
May your soul rest in peace, Moses Tau AKA Moshanty.
Bamahuta, Emau, Iawo.
About the author
Reuben Aopi was born in Daru Island on Oct 8, 1988.
His father Pala Aopi was a painter, and his mother Sibaio was a retired nurse.
Both have gone to be with our Lord.
Papua New Guinea’s singing sensation Moses Tau was born on May 16, 1969, the very same day he died.
 |
| The late Moses Tau |
Moses Gou was then adopted by his elder sister, hence, the change of his surname to Tau (as reported by his biological sister, Alice Gou, during an interview with PNG TV, shortly after he had passed, May 16, 2018 on his birthday) when he turned 49.
Little did she know that a star was being placed in her arms to love and to be raised. God Bless the people of Barakau for that and for many other great things.
Moses Tau was what Papua New Guineans came to know.
He later adopted a very catchy and extravagant stage name, Moshanty.
I grew up in a tiny island called Daru.
We had a tape recorder which belonged to my elder brother, Wesley.
Moses and the Reflections was the name of the cassette we had along with a CD from his album Moses Says Aloha.
They played endlessly.
The style of music he had was superb and contagious.
The type that would leave you tapping your foot and the next thing you know, you’re swaying your hips.
I’m typing this with no regrets as I have my headphones blasting with "Penekovu Medu bona Hurehure’’, which means rain and waves in the Motu language.
A song sung about a canoe.
One of my personal favourites.
He was a vibrant soul, one who literally lit up the room whenever he entered.
Moses was full of joy and always eager to help out, no matter what the problem was.I
will always be grateful for that.
In 2016, we had our Christmas Party here in Digicel’s HQ.
I was told to phone Moshanty and have him join us as per my boss' request.
I was starstuck and lost for words when he picked up on the other side of the line.
An absolute privilege it was.
Fans gathered and took to social media to remember and commemorate his life.
Let's bid him farewell as we mourn the loss of a lively, dignified soul.
A soul that brought joy and fulfilment to many, and whose legacy will live on forever.
You would feel the heat and love in the air every time he took the stage.
He knew what his audience wanted and delivered it with passion and humour.
A bloody entertainer he was and will forever be remembered for that.
Moshanty was the very essence of compassion, of duty, of style, of beauty.
He actively participated and performed at various medical fundraisers, weddings and family gathering without fail.
He was also an advocate for the LGBT Community in Papua New Guinea.
LGBT persons in Papua New Guinea face legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBT residents.
Attitudes towards LGBT people are greatly influenced by churches and the Melanesian way of life as the majority of Papua New Guineans claim to be believers of the Christian faith.
Despite all that, he lived his life to the very fullest, if I may put it that way and to which many would agree with me.
He was never afraid of what came his way. Talk about the struggles one has to endure every day.
A legend, period.
All over Papua New Guinea he was a symbol of selfless humanity.
All over the Pacific, a standard-bearer for the rights of the truly downtrodden, a local talent who transcended nationality. Someone with natural nobility who was classless.
He proved in the years he walked on this earth that he needed no royal title to continue to generate his particular brand of magic.
Papua New Guinea has lost a legend.
1969-2018
May your soul rest in peace, Moses Tau AKA Moshanty.
Bamahuta, Emau, Iawo.
About the author
 |
| Reuben Aopi |
His father Pala Aopi was a painter, and his mother Sibaio was a retired nurse.
Both have gone to be with our Lord.
Perfectly said!! Good one.
ReplyDeleteRIEP Moshanty... Thanks Rux Nation, well said.
ReplyDeleteNicely done Rux :) Rest Easy Moses Tau!
ReplyDeleteRuben we need to put a book together. This is ultimately suberb. Excellent writing
ReplyDelete