Polyphusion 2004 attracts band from Dunedin

Media Release
Polyphusion 2004
29 May 2004
Cathedral Square
Dux de Lux if wet

Polyphusion 2004 attracts band from Dunedin

The word is out and the news that the Maori and Pacific bands stepping up to support NZ music month has attracted bands from as far as Otago with the newest additions to the line up being local Maori R & B crooners Ahi Kaa who featured in a lunchtime concert last Friday in the Square, and island reggae band ‘Koile from Dunedin.

Both bands contacted the organisers of Polyphusion 2004 asking to participate in the event after emails, and through word of mouth. The organisers were more than happy to accommodate the groups, pleased with the positive response from many groups and individuals. “Polyphusion is also about working together - Maori and Pacific, to see how far putting our resources together, would get us. So far we’re poor on resources but rich in supporters and talent,” says Pos Mavaega of Pacific Underground. ‘It’s awesome to have Ahi Kaa on board, they’re tight, and they just add more weight line up and variety. Same with ‘Koile. Their appearances are said to be a ‘rare treat’ in Dunedin so we’re grateful for their input. They believe in this gig, and the cause,” says Mavaega.

Koile - led by Tokelauan Hiliako Ia Heto, recently supported Katchafire and Black Seeds in Dunedin winning crowds over with their unique Island reggae sound of the Tokelauan and Samoan members.
Ahi Kaa - David Butterfield, Te Rau o-te-rangi Winterburn and Shaun Taiaki have impressed many with their big vocal R&B sound at concerts such as the 2003 Coca Cola Christmas in the Park, Linwood’s LYFE and Aranui’s AFFIRM festivals.

Polyphusion 2004 - a free concert of local Maori and Pacific bands in the Cathedral Square from 2pm - 5pm this Saturday, will feature ‘Element’ who last week came second overall in the Coke Smokefree Rockquest regionals, advancing to the final round in October. Other bands include Star City - featuring Scribe’s DJ Ali, Cornerstone, Tribalincs, Que and Pacific Underground.

Polyphusion 2004 is one of the many events that mark the end of NZ Music Month, staged just before the national live broadcast of ‘National Anthem’ (TV2 7 pm) - a TV programme that will broadcast live bands nationwide from the 4 main cities.

ENDS

Media enquiries to
Tanya Muagututi’a
pacific.underground@clear.net.nz

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