Māori Diva Unveils Matariki Music Extravaganza

Māori Diva Unveils Matariki Music Extravaganza

Award-winning singer-songwriter Toni Huata will unveil three new music projects at a Matariki showcase of Ngāti Kahungunu talent in Wellington next month (June 2014).

‘Ngā Tukemata o Matariki - A Celebration of New Māori Music and Performing Arts from Ngāti Kahungunu’ will be held at the Wharewaka Function Centre, Te Raukura, from 5.30 pm on Thursday 5 June 2014.

Presented by WaaHuu Creations with the support of Ngāti Kahungunu ki Te Whanganui-ā-Tara, the event marks the launch of three music releases funded by Te Māngai Pāho: ‘Tomokia’ by Huata supported by Paddy Free; ‘Te Manu’ by PAO members Karl, Te Manea and Tangaroa Teariki; and ‘The Wagner Brothers’ EP by Adrian and Marc Wagner.

Huata is executive producer of all three recording projects - a first for the indigenous diva.

To mark the beginning of NZ Music Month today (Thursday May 1) - New Zealand's annual celebration of homegrown music and its makers - ‘The Wagner Brothers’ EP has been released on iTunes.

According to Huata (Ngāti Kahungunu, Rongowhakaata), this will be one of the first times that a Matariki event showcasing Ngāti Kahungunu talent - young and old - has been held in Wellington.

The line-up will also include kapa haka performances from two groups: Te Kura o Ōtari (Ōtari School) based in Wilton and Kahungunu-ā-Tara - a seniors performing arts troupe led by Ngāti Kahungunu composer Te Taite Cooper.

“Whakapapa (genealogy) is an important part of the Māori New Year celebrations - it gives us a better understanding of who we are, where we have come from and where we are going.

“It’s also a great way to bring whānau together to share stories, knowledge and, in this case, new music and performing arts.”

Entry to Ngā Tukemata o Matariki is by koha (donation); however, RSVPs are essential as seating is limited. To book, contact WaaHuu Creations on mobile +64 21 639 790 or email waahuu@xtra.co.nz

ENDS

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