Friday, 26 February 2010
TOMORROW it’s the Street Fiesta … next Saturday it’s the Marae Fiesta, as Whakatane enjoys another dose of free live music.
Golden girl Maisey Rika returns to her Ngati Awa roots to headline a concert at Wairaka Marae to celebrate the launch of the iwi’s long-term vision.
That 40-year vision - Ko Ngati Awa Te Toki 2010-2050 - was unveiled on Waitangi Day earlier this month and is a collection of the tribe’s shared aspirations following an 18-month research project.
Available online at www.ngatiawa.com, with a supporting DVD, the vision will take musical shape on March 6 when Rika and Australian hip-hop group TheKumpnee top the bill.
“I’m honoured to be asked to play and represent Ngati Awa,” said Rika who performed at the Whakatane Liberty Centre two weeks ago.
“I’m from here and my nan’s from Poroporo, so I just want to help make our iwi proud.”
Over the past couple of years, Rika (Ngati Pukeko) has built a reputation as a talented songwriter and vocalist with a distinctive, soulful sound.
At the 2009 Maori Music Awards she picked up the accolade for best Maori female solo artist and was nominated for a Silver Scroll songwriting award last year.
She is quick to attribute much of her success to the support of her whanau and her hometown.
Four-strong hip-hoppers TheKumpnee are based in Sydney but their roots stretch all the way back to the Eastern Bay.
Founder member Ronnie Lavender affiliates to the Te Patuwai hapu of Ngati Awa and says that he can’t wait to bring his music home to the iwi.
“We’ve played a few big gigs and festivals here in Australia but, for me, performing for a home crowd in Whakatane is up there with our biggest moments
“I find it’s always harder to perform in front of home crowds and people you know because expectations are high.
“But, in saying that, home crowds show the most love, so I’m definitely looking forward to it.”
Other Ngati Awa musicians, dancers and kapa haka performers will add to the festival atmosphere at Wairaka and the concert will run from 3pm to 8pm.