Hawke’s Bay Matariki Stars Shine Brightly

Wednesday, 13 June 2012, 5:07 pm
Press Release: Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Inc

12 June 2012

Hawke’s Bay Matariki Stars Shine Brightly

A group of young Hawke’s Bay reggae musicians, Jah Children, are featuring in Matariki celebrations being held at Te Papa in Wellington (21 June), and a night later (22 June) at the Marine Parade Soundshell in Napier as part of the Ngati Kahungunu Iwi suite of events.

Last year, as students attending a Waiohiki Youth Development Programme music workshop, the group played with New Zealand reggae legend Tigi Ness and his son, Hip Hop superstar Che Fu. The father and son duo said then that these kids had the magic ingredient and, realising their potential, the group are set to feature in their first big gigs.

They work hard at their craft. Band leader, lead guitarist Travis Dearden (18) from Maraekakaho is studying at Auckland’s Music Audio Institute of New Zealand Bass player Kevin Ford (18), Havelock North, is in his first year studying in the Media Programme at the Eastern Institute of Technology.

Pitiera Tuhi (16), from Omahu, playing guitar and vocals, is a senior student at Napier’s Maori language immersion kura, Te Ara Hou, Drummer, Joseph Nizbett (17) is a 7th former at Havelock North High School Vocalist Gary Crawford (18), Waimarama, is a current member of the Waiohiki Youth Development Programme, and has signed up for next year’s EIT Performing Arts Programme.

In Napier Jah Children will perform at a Ngati Kahungunu Matariki concert at the Marine Parade Soundshell starting at 6.00pm on Friday 22nd June. They will follow the Waiohiki Culture Group and be supported by emerging talent, Taletha Blake, who starred in last summer’s Maori Motown. The family event is alcohol and drug free. Entry is by koha.

www.waiohiki.co.nz

ENDS

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