The Cibi ([ˈðimbi]) is a Fijian meke of Bauan origin and war dance, generally performed before or after a battle. It came to prominence in the rugby field in 1939 when it was performed by the Fiji national rugby union team before the match.
The origins of the cibi date back to the country's warring times with their Pacific neighbours and intertribal warfare. On their return home the warriors heralded their victory by displaying flags - one for every enemy slain. They were met by the women who would sing songs with accompanying gestures. The cibi was meant for open battle to inspire the troops, but it was sung with more vigour when the victorious army returned home to celebrate.
In 1939, when Fiji prepared for its first-ever tour of New Zealand, the captain, Ratu Sir George Cakobau, thought his team should have a war dance to match the All Blacks' haka. His team adopted the Cibi and went on to become the only team to remain unbeaten on a full tour of New Zealand.
Ai tei vovo, tei vovo
E ya, e ya, e ya, e ya;
Tei vovo, tei vovo
E ya, e ya, e ya, e ya
Rai tu mai, rai tu mai
Oi au a virviri kemu bai
Rai tu mai, rai ti mai
Oi au a virviri kemu bai
Toa yalewa, toa yalewa
Veico, veico, veico
Au tabu moce koi au
Au moce ga ki domo ni biau
E luvu koto ki ra nomu waqa
O kaya beka au sa luvu sara
Nomu bai e wawa mere
Au tokia ga ka tasere
Tuletule buka sa dredre
Tuletule buka sa dredre
Tou vaka tosoya
Vaka malua.
E ya, e ya, e ya, e ya
Make ready, make ready,
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, (spoken like warning in a cry before war)
Make ready, make ready
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Look here, look here,
I build a war fence for you,
Look here, look here,
I build a war fence for you
A rooster and a hen,
They attack, attack, attack
It is forbidden for me to slumber
Except to the sound of breaking waves
Your ship is sunk below,
Don't think I'm drowned too.
Your defence is just waiting
To crumble when I pick it