Waiata Maori Awards 2010

Waiata Maori Awards 2010

The search is on to find the best Maori has to offer the music world – from urban, hip-hop, pop and reggae to show bands and iconic composers – which will all be celebrated at a national gala event.

The third annual Waiata Maori Awards (Maori Music Awards) will be held at the Hawke’s Bay Opera House in Hastings on September 9, 10 and 12 and the event will be based on the theme “Te Kōanga”, reflecting the new spring season, new life and new beginnings.

Waiata Maori Awards executive director Tama Huata said the awards acknowledge and honour the keepers, teachers and promoters of Maori music.

He said the event should be used to develop and promote Maori music, to recognise the unique value and rich cultural contribution Maori music offers the world.

Waiata Maori Awards was set up three year’s ago to focus on the diversity and excellence of Maori music in New Zealand and the 2010 event offered some exciting additions which will set it apart from the previous two awards.

The first will be the appointment of a Waiata Maori ambassador who will be charged with the honour of promoting the event around the country and internationally.

Mr Huata said the ambassador, to be announced within a few weeks, is a former Waiata Maori Awards winner and work to inspire other Maori singers and performers in the industry.

“The person we have in mind has already worked with some of the most well known artists and musicians in the world, recorded songs in Los Angeles and performed at some key events in New Zealand for more than 10 years.

“This person is an inspirational speaker, has a sound understanding of the industry and we think is well suited to be named as our first ambassador,” Mr Huata said.

It is hoped the ambassador will be on hand to perform and speak at the Waiata Maori Awards launch, which will also be held at the Hawke’s Bay Opera House in Hastings, in early August.

This year’s awards will also include a new category: Best Maori Urban Roots Album primarily for artists working in the urban genre of reggae.

Mr Huata said the new category reflects the popularity of reggae among artists and composers using the style as a base for their music.

“We are also looking at some ways to officially recognise the contribution Maori show bands have made to the New Zealand music industry,” he said.

Show bands such as Te Pou O Mangatawhiri or TPM, Maori Troubadours, Maori Hi Quins and the Maori Volacanics sprung up in the 1950s and found more success and recognition with Australian and international audience than with New Zealanders.

The Maori Volcanics still perform today and like other show bands could sing, act and perform comedies and exposed the unique blend of Maori entertainment to the international market, capturing the attention of entrepreneurs looking for talent coming out of New Zealand.

Another addition to this year’s awards will be a hip-hop dance competition showcasing some of the best Maori performers in this genre.

Mr Huata says the awards will again by broadcast by Maori Television and by Radio Kahungunu.

Last year Nesian Mystik went home with a swag of awards including Best Maori Urban Artists; Best Maori Pop Artists; Best Maori Songwriter and Best Maori Song.

ENDS

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