Tourism in Fiji - Sport - Rugby War Dance (Cibi and Bole)

Rugby War Dance (Cibi and Bole)

The Cibi (pronounced Thimbi) war dance was traditionally performed by the Fiji rugby team before each match. It was replaced in 2012 with the new Bole (pronounced mBolay) war cry. The Bole war cry has a lot more energy compared to the Cibi and seems far more fitting for the gruelling match that is about to commence.

Tradition holds that the original Cibi was first performed on the rugby field back in 1939 during a tour of New Zealand, when then Fijian captain Ratu Sir George Cakobau felt that his team should have something to match the Haka of the All Blacks. The 'Cibi' had perhaps been used incorrectly though, as the word actually means "a celebration of victory by warriors," whereas 'Bole' is the acceptance of a challenge.

The Bole war cry was composed by Ratu Manoa Rasigatale, and is translated as follows:

I'm challenging you to be uprooted, yes, it will be done, let's turn them up side down.

I'm ready, you think I'm afraid of you, you can't break my defence.

You're only a hen, I'm the rooster, let's fight and you'll see.

I don't sleep and will watch you.

My strength can reach the crushing of the waves.

I will not be drowned, you think you'll defeat me by drowning?

Your fence is only made of wawamere creapers, It's easy to untangle.

I can uproot you, I can uproot you, yes it will be achieved.