Tauranga musician set to leave mark on Expo

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Tauranga musician set to leave mark on NZ International Tattoo & Art Expo

14 February 2017: Seventeen-year-old Tamia Hikuroa, from Te Puke, has been selected as the inaugural winner of the NZ International Tattoo & Art Expo Tiki Taane singing competition and will have a chance to perform alongside her music idol on Sunday.

The NZ International Tattoo & Art Expo is the only convention of its kind in the Bay of Plenty to showcase the works of renowned international, national and local tattoo artists alongside graffiti artists, musicians, burlesque performers and other aspects of street culture.

Now in its seventh year, the Expo made the move from Hamilton to its current home at Queen Elizabeth Centre in Tauranga for the first time last year – a reflection of the event’s scale and its wide-spread appeal among the community.

The singing competition is a new addition to the Expo and organiser Chris Preece says it was included to further enhance the Expo’s family-friendly appeal.

“We get a huge number of mums and dads bringing their children along to experience aspects of street culture not often seen all together in one place.”

The competition asked up-and-coming musicians under the age of 18 to upload a video of themselves performing Tiki’s number-one hit ‘Always On My Mind’ to his Facebook page for a chance to perform alongside the Kiwi hit-maker.

Tiki says he received a number of talented entries and was impressed by the calibre of performers submitting their videos, but in the end it was Tamia’s dulcet tones and huge online support which drew her video to his attention.

“I love the buzz of giving someone the chance to step onstage. It’s such a cool experience for them, but also for me too. Music brings us all together so it’s my pleasure to be able to share that special moment with someone who has never performed onstage before.

“Thanks to all the other entries too – you were all awesome!"

Chris adds he was “stoked” with the number of people who put forward their entries to the competition and how enthusiastically the community supported the venture.

“Tiki epitomises what our event is all about. He’s a family man, celebrated Kiwi musician and all-round nice guy – and he’s covered in tattoos. The Expo is about breaking down those stereotypes or expectations around tattoos, and showcasing them as an important part of our culture.

“We were thrilled that Tiki wanted to support the event with a performance that could involve the community in some way and I look forward to seeing his set with the winner on Sunday.”

The International Tattoo & Art Expo is on Saturday, February 18, 11am-10pm and Sunday, February 19, 11am-7pm, at Queen Elizabeth Youth Centre, Tauranga. Tiki and Tamia will perform on Sunday at 3pm.

Tickets: $20 on the door ($35 for a weekend pass). Visit www.tattooart.co.nz for more information.

ENDS

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