“There is no change until you change”

Rarotongan inmates original CD

This is the message contained in the CD written and performed by four inmates in Rarotonga’s prison. The group call themselves “KMITS” (pronounced commits), each of the letters signify the first letter of each of their names. The original songs talk about their individual and collective journeys while inside.
The songs track their lives, beginning with their childhood and how they eventually ended up hurting people without caring about the consequences. From their initial feelings of rejection they have moved to a point where they now have hope, can make amends and have dreams that do come true. Thanks to their faith they know there is a better way to live their lives, beyond the prison bars.
Recorded over the past ten month at the prison
All the recording took place in the prison conference room between September 2008 till completion on 30 June 2009. The idea to record came from Tangaroa who is seen as a father figure, co-ordinator, mediator and voice for many of the younger inmates. Tangaroa saw their potential as he heard them singing at night accompanied by guitars, beating rhythms on the side of the bed frames and encouraged them to sing at prayer meetings.
Inmates had a message to share
Tangaroa heard the soulful message in their singing. He knew that the inmates’ songs had the potential to not only transform their own lives but also the hearts and minds of others. He encouraged them to find a way to record the songs so that they could be made into a CD.
Insight of new superintendent
The new superintendent of the prison, Metuatini Tangaroa. could see that the CD was a good idea and was willing to “open the door to the outside world” so that the group could receive the help they needed to make their dream come true. The inmates were “really joyful” when they heard about the Superintendent’s support.
Helping hands from the outside
Finding a musician who was willing to assist the group with the composition and recording process came about through a request made at a prayer meeting at the prison. Sister Margret answered their request. She became “their voice in the outside community” and contacted Frank Sabatano a well known musician on the island. Frank was more than happy to support the group on their journey.
Frank Sabatano spent over 100 hours with the group recording the music CD . It was not always easy as most had never used microphones or recording equipment before. At times it seemed too hard and the group was tempted to give up- but they now had the trust of others who believed in them and what they could do. So they would begin and end each recording session with a prayer and persevered.
Rock College
The prison is fondly referred to as “Rock College. This is not only because it has produced a CD of wonderful music but also because there is a “happy” rock just past the carpark. It is termed a “happy” rock because inmates are happy once they get to drive out of the prison past it.
Two members of the group have since passed the “happy rock” and are back in the community. The remaining three, with Tangaroa are spreading the message to the other inmates
Vision and Dreams
At first the other inmates were skeptical but now everyone wants to be a part of the group’s success. The members of KMIT now have a more positive view on life and have proved that there is hope and your dreams can come true. There has been plenty of interest in the CD with members of the “Youth with a Mission” congregations in the USA and Australia eagerly awaiting its release.
Promotion
The group is promoting the CD through coverage on Cook Island and New Zealand television, newspapers and radio. They hope to make a video and post them on Utube and enter the Australian radio contest currently being advertised. In addition they are approaching the churches on the island offering a performance as many of their songs have a spiritual message.
Buy CD for just $20
You can buy your own copy of the CD from the Sisters of Charity in Titikaveka, on utube or at the market on Saturday mornings.

Herald Issue 463 10 June
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