Rangatahi Recall The Lyrics – On Pukana!

Rangatahi Recall The Lyrics – On Pukana!

Young Maori students will be tested on their knowledge of lyrics to Maori songs in a new game show, ‘Waiata Mai’, premiering on *PUKANA *(Maori Television on Wednesday April 20 at 6.00 PM).

*PUKANA* is 100 per cent Maori language youth ‘edutainment’ combining entertaining segments and educational elements with popular send-ups, comedic skits, practical information, competitions and giveaways.

In the new ‘Waiata Mai’ segment, contestants from Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Mangere, Hato Petera College and Te Wharekura o Manurewa (Auckland) as well as Te Wharekura o Ngati Rongomai (Rotoiti) will compete to see who will represent their schools in the semi-final heats.

The students are Koro Raroa, Aroha Tutakiau-Mika, Awatea Wihongi and Kearsyn Rihari (Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Mangere); Mary Mareikura, Kaylene Bassett, Eldon Kake and Tanekare Mane (Te Wharekura o Manurewa); Rangiwhatautau Savage, Te Rina Chase, Whakauekaipapa Savage and Takiata Curtis (Te Wharekura o Ngati Rongomai); and Ihaia Nikora, Dylan Bryan, Temuera Bennett and Jesse Cope (Hato Petera College).

*PUKANA *producer Pania Papa says the trick is to correctly recall song lyrics from a variety of genres.

A selection of well known waiata Maori and haka are used as well as some popular chart-hitting songs such as ‘Maumahara Noa’ by Brannigan Kaa, ‘Whakahonohono Mai’ by 1814, ‘Kotahitanga’ by Hinewehi Mohi, ‘Poi E' by Dalvanius Prime and the Patea Maori Club, ‘E Ipo’ by Prince Tui Teka and Cinco Cine's flagship hit single 'Kei a Wai Ra' by Aaria.

“This competition will set the scene for our nationwide search for talented young singers when we hit the road later this year to audition for ‘Uru Whetu’ – the *PUKANA *pop band,” explains Pania Papa.

“A group of talented singers will be brought together to record a popular hit single and film a video clip, following in Aaria's footsteps. ‘Waiata Mai’ is a great way to uncover some hidden talents and let some young stars shine!”

*PUKANA *screens on Maori Television every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 6.00 PM as well as on Te Reo every weekday at 7.00 PM and TV3 every Sunday at 9.05 AM.

*Ends*

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