Calling All Kaiwaiata! Homai Te Pakipaki Is Back!

Calling All Kaiwaiata! Homai Te Pakipaki Is Back!

One of Māori Television’s favourite shows is about to burst back onto our screens, giving New Zealand’s singing hopefuls their chance in the spotlight – and the chance at $10,000.

From March 18, HOMAI TE PAKIPAKI will once again be broadcasting live from Māori Television’s Newmarket studios every Friday night at 8.30pm. The karaoke show’s producer, Erina Tamepo, hopes to see the verandah full to busting with keen and eager contestants as soon as auditions start at 4.30pm that day.

“From that moment it’s all go as we screen the wannabe contestants and select the ten or so who’ll go on to perform live on air,” says Erina. “It’s always an amazing experience as 90% of the kaiwaiata (singers) have never been in a studio before, so there are usually some emotional moments – for them and for us! Unlike many other television singing shows, most of our kaiwaiata aren’t here because they want to be stars; they just really love singing and dream of singing in front of an audience. Our show is unsanitised, spontaneous and fun.”

Again, unlike many other similar shows, contestants on HOMAI TE PAKIPAKI have no rehearsal, no coaching, no choreography and only a little prep. After being selected to sing, they’re through to make-up and in front of the cameras, where it’s up to them to show the text voting audience at home what they’ve got.

The 2011 season sees the return of hosts Mātai Smith (Rongowhakaata, Ngai Tamanuhiri, Ngāti Kahungungu) and Te Hāmua Nīkora (Te Tai Rāwhiti), who have both seen a wide range of talent in their time on the show.

“One of the reasons HOMAI TE PAKIPAKI has been so successful is that you don’t necessarily have to be a fantastic singer to get on air, although we’ve had some phenomenal singers on,” says Mātai. “There’s so much aroha emanating from our audience that as long as you do your best, that’s all that matters. I love that HOMAI TE PAKIPAKI is so raw and so real. It’s not fabricated and slick – it’s all about the talent.”
As in previous years, the winner of each of the 20 heats receives $1000 and the chance to compete for prizes in the two semi finals, then $10,000 in the grand final, scheduled for August 26.

The auditions are open to anyone and whānau come from far and wide to sing their hearts out on HOMAI TE PAKIPAKI, and it’s not unusual to see familiar faces turning up.
“HOMAI TE PAKIPAKI has quickly become an institution in our nation, one I am extremely proud to be a part of. To be back to co-host the 2011 season of Homai, for me, is both a privilege and an honour. I absolutely love the job and am committed to bringing my own flavour to help with the uniqueness of Aotearoa’s favourite entertainment show” says Te Hāmua.

For information on how to enter, visit the HOMAI TE PAKIPAKI page on Maori Television’s website www.maoritelevision.com
ENDS

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