Vika & Linda

Singing sisters Vika & Linda Bull combined Tongan and Australian heritage to provide the impetus behind their blend of world music. Before the Black Sorrows (in which they sang as featured vocalists) brought them national fame, the sisters sang with Sophisticated Boom Boom and the Sacred Hearts of Sweet Temptation. Vika released two solo singles in 1988, "Living Hell" and "My House," before teaming up with Linda for their debut album, Vika & Linda. An easily accessible musical showcase for the sisters, it featured some of Australia's most talented songwriters, including Paul Kelly, Stephen Cummings, Joe Camilleri, Nick Smith, Mark Seymour, Nick Barker, and Wayne Burt. Their next album, At the Mouth of the River, was recorded for Peter Gabriel's Real World label. In 1996, Vika & Linda returned to Tonga, where their mother was born, to meet the nation's monarch, King Taufa'ahu Tupou. This trip led to their next effort, Princess Tabu, an album heavily influenced by Tongan culture and featuring some of the country's finest musicians, including the vocals of the Mosi Mosi Kava Club. The album was recorded in England with Massive Attack producer Jeremy Allom and again featured a plethora of Australian talent including Paul Kelly, Tim Finn, Barry Palmer, Michael Barker, and Diesel. In addition to their solo performances, Vika & Linda have appeared on several albums by well-known Australian acts including John Farnham, Hunters & Collectors, Ross Wilson, Archie Roach, Paul Kelly, and Noiseworks. Two Wings was released in 1999, followed by Live & Acoustic in 2000. ~ Brendan Swift