Round Two For The Search For The Best Mâori Singers In Aotearoa
The quintessential Maori entertainment series that seeks out the best Maori singers in the country opens the floodgates
once again for a new generation of pop star wannabes as the second series of MAORIOKE launches on Maori Television this
Sunday July 3 at 8.00 PM.
This year, the ever-popular competition series is udged this year by seasoned entertainer Brannigan Kaa and Maori diva
Whirimako Black.
Then, the launch of the second series on Sunday July 3 at 8.00 PM sees contestants Ripeka Gray (Christchurch), Luke
Butters (Hamilton), Tunisia Grace (Pukekohe), Robert Wall (Christchurch) and Shelley Karatiana (Whakatane) out-warble
each other to claim their spot in the semis.
From Bic Runga to Baby Face, these hopefuls kick off a second rip-roaring season that concludes with one grand winner
seizing the top prize of a recording contract with Doughboy Records. Plus, all finalists in the series will embark on a
tour of the country’s five main centres to perform live gigs.
Each week, five contestants will perform a song of their choice in a music video shot in their home town. Then,
semi-finalists will be chosen to compete in the next level in the episode screening on Sunday September 11 at 8.00 PM,
before the grand final decides the ultimate winner on Sunday September 25 at 8.00 PM.
For the contestants to follow in the series, judging will be tight and critical. Brannigan Kaa is arguably one of the
most popular recording artists on the Maori radio network for his 90’s classic Maumahara Noa Ahau, which was originally
released on his album Tangiora 2.
And, Whirimako Black’s career has soared to new heights since signing to Mai Music in 2004. With domestic album sales
already in excess of 10,000 units on her first two self-released albums – Shrouded in the Mist and Hohou Te Rongo – she
released her third album Tangihaku in May 2004. Now onto the release of her fourth album – Kura Huna – Whirimako Black’s
credentials to judge of the new series of MAORIOKE are solid.
MAORIOKE – bringing you the best up-and-coming Maori singers in Aotearoa for the second round this Sunday July 3 at 8.00
PM.
Ends