Matariki Rhythmz, a New Music and Dance Event

PR: Matariki Rhythmz, a New Music and Dance Event with Cultural Flavours

Matariki Rhythmz is a new youth music and dance event happening during Matariki Rising and part of the Auckland Matariki Festival 2016.

It all kicks off with a heats competition this Saturday, 25th June at Dorothy Winstone Centre (2pm-6pm) bringing together competing high schools from across Auckland.

The event gives opportunity for musicians and dance teams to create original songs and dance moves mixing urban styles with Polynesian lyrics, instruments and movements.

This is a celebration of Matariki and the connections between the different Polynesian cultures from across te Moana Nui a Kiwa.

Matariki Rhythmz emphasises these connections seen in the shared reverence of the constellation and its meaning as a marker of time. In Samoa it is Matali’i; in Tahiti is is Matari’i; in Hawai’i it is Makali’i; and in Rarotonga and Aotearoa it is known as Matariki – a star lore that stretches far back into the pre-European Pacific.

The exciting heats competition will see an array of groups competing for the opportunity to go on to a finals event at Vodafone Events Centre on Saturday 9th July (7pm-9pm) where the top ten will battle it out for cash prizes and recording opportunities.

Also up for grabs is a special scholarship from MAINZ (Music and Audio Institute of New Zealand) for the ‘Best Musicianship’ award. Valued at $5,500 the scholarship gives a lucky student the opportunity to study at MAINZ making that step closer to achieving their musical dreams.

The top band, duo and solo artists will have the opportunity to work with a well-known producer and record their songs at Roundhead Recording Studio. A fantastic opportunity for these young up-and-coming artists to be professionally recorded.

The event, run by YPT, focusses on youth talent and fostering that talent towards professional careers or further study.

Youth Ambassadors this year are Olly Coddington and Lavinia ‘Uhila who will lead the events as MC’s and are the faces of Matariki Rhythmz for 2016. Also on-stage will be DJ Poroufessor keeping the vibes grooving between acts.

You can find out more about Matariki Rhythmz at the website www.matarikirhythmz.co.nz or look us up on Facebook. Also, listen for coverage on the radio with Flava.

To find out more about the Matariki Festival 2016, go to www.matarikifestival.org.nz/

ENDS

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