In the late 1970s, amid the global surge of Fusion, Jazz-Rock, and Psychedelic Progressive music, a small yet daring band emerged from the heart of French Polynesia. Tokiri, led by guitarist Michel Poroi, left behind a single, astonishingly rare artifact: their self-titled cassette “Tokiri,” released by Océane Production under the series B 002. The release date remains unknown, but contextual evidence points to 1978–1979, making it one of the earliest examples of modern Progressive Music in Tahiti.
The cassette, never reissued and reportedly owned by only a single collector on Discogs, boldly declares on its cover: “Le premier groupe thaitien de musique progressive”. This was more than just a marketing line—it was a statement of intent. In a region where Jazz-Rock was still unfamiliar to the local audience, Tokiri introduced sounds that were audacious, sophisticated, and unprecedented. Today, this recording stands as a ghost artifact, a hidden treasure from a scene nearly lost to time.
— The Music —
The album opens with “Mahana,” written by drummer André Tani, immediately revealing a tight Funk-Rock groove infused with subtle psychedelic touches. “Serenity”, composed by Patrice Kraffe, showcases a melodic prog sensibility, where Arp synthesizers layer airy textures over Kraffe’s vocals, framed by intricate guitar motifs.
Michel Poroi, as solo guitarist and bandleader, impresses throughout tracks like “Alone” and “Harmonia,” merging electric and acoustic lines in a style that blends Jazz-Rock with delicate Psychedelic flourishes. Kraffe’s compositions—“Sailing,” “Fa’a,” and “Sometimes”—demonstrate sophisticated rhythmic structures and seamless interplay between guitar and keys.
“Auti” and “Timothee,” co-written by Poroi and Kraffe, exemplify the ensemble’s tight cohesion, while the rhythm section of Jean-Marc Rodriguez (bass) and André Tani (drums, percussion) grounds the music with Funk-infused dynamism. Congas and additional acoustic textures from Kraffe expand the sonic palette, giving each track a vibrant, layered depth unusual for regional productions of the era.
— Historical Context —
Michel Poroi, born in 1956 in Mataiea, had already earned recognition in Tahiti’s Jazz scene with his duo alongside Daniel Benoit, experimenting with Gypsy Jazz, Jazz-Rock, Funk, and Fusion. The formation of Tokiri in 1978 marked his first venture into a fully modern, Progressive ensemble. The band debuted in 1979 at the Maison de la Culture in Papeete, presenting the Tahitian audience with novel and challenging music. Tokiri dissolved shortly thereafter, with Poroi moving on to the Tropiquartet, continuing his legendary career as one of Tahiti’s most influential guitarists.
This cassette, therefore, is more than a musical document—it is the only known sonic testimony of Poroi’s earliest Progressive experiments, offering a rare glimpse into a forgotten era of Tahitian music.
— Production and Lineup —
Recorded at Studio Océane Production in Tahiti, the album features a quintet of skilled musicians:
Michel Poroi / Lead, Electric, and Acoustic Guitars
Patrice Kraffe / Vocals, ARP Synthesizers, Acoustic Guitar, Congas
Jean-Marc Rodriguez / Bass
André Tani / Drums, Percussion
Éric Poroi / Rhythm Guitar
Océane Production’s approach to mixing is surprisingly refined: each instrument is given clarity and space, preserving the ensemble’s energy and nuance despite the technical limitations of cassette recording.
— Rarity and Collectibility —
On Discogs, 27 collectors have expressed interest, yet the cassette has never changed hands and remains one of the rarest documented releases from French Polynesia. Its scarcity, combined with historical significance, makes it a must-have for Progressive collectors, archivists, and aficionados alike.
— Conclusion —
Tokiri – “Tokiri” is not merely an album—it is a time capsule, a ghostly artifact from an era and locale that few outside Tahiti have experienced. Its combination of Jazz-Rock sophistication, Funk grooves, and Progressive ambition exemplifies the type of discovery Hidden Rarities exists to celebrate: overlooked, exceptional, and historically invaluable.
For collectors and enthusiasts, this cassette represents a cornerstone of Polynesian Progressive Rock, a sonic treasure that bridges cultural boundaries and decades of musical history.
— Discography —
19xx – “Tokiri” (Cassette, Album) – [Océane Production] – serie B 002