WOMAD 2009 Featured Artist: Mihirangi (NZ)
Click to enlarge
World of Music Art and Dance 2009
13-15 March
Taranaki
Brooklands Park & TSB Bowl of Brooklands, New Plymouth
Mihirangi’s past two years have been a global whirlwind which has seen her astonishing one woman show capture and
mesmerize audiences around the globe. Mihirangi is a solo artist taking world roots to a new level with her performance
style, creating her own band sound live in front of her audience using loops.
The key to Mihirangi's sound is the layering of her own vocal sounds. From the foundation of fat solid bass lines to
intricately layered harmonies, rhythmic ‘ska’ chops, sensuous jazzy riffs and beat-boxing – it’s all done with her
voice. Also a multi-instrumentalist Mihirangi plays percussion, guitar and traditional Maori instruments.
Mihirangi’s past two years have been a global whirlwind which has seen her astonishing one woman show capture and
mesmerize audiences in Canada, USA, Australia and home in New Zealand. During this time she has performed with Michael
Franti and Spearhead, Blue King Brown, Lee Scratch Perry and Tanya Tacqac.
Born in Aotearoa (NZ) and currently residing in Australia, Mihirangi was raised in a touring musical family with a
history that exposes a passionate affection for her Maori ancestry. With a unique Polynesian global sound, the parallel
of the ancient and modern is portrayed in the distinctiveness of her writing and the spirit in which it is delivered is
with the composure of a woman fulfilling her destiny.
Playing out her concerns for indigenous, environmental and spiritual issues and endearing herself to audiences around
the world, her journey and insight offers a refreshing perspective of contemporary culture. Although reverent in her
traditional deliverance, when her groove kicks in, Mihirangi is all liberation and raw power. Her utterly unique musical
vision, and the cross-cultural harmony that she herself represents, will be heard.
Mihirangi has been involved in the global political scene performing in LA at the 30th Anniversary Benefit concert for
the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and traveling to Antarctica aboard The Steve Irwin in its pursuit of The Japanese
Whaling fleet to shutdown illegal Whaling in the Antarctica. Mihirangi’s video clip for No War was filmed down amongst
the Antarctic Icebergs.
Selected reviews
"…engaging live show with killer use of the loop lets her roam through percussion instruments, beat box, guitar and
enchanting vocals. Best show I've seen all year!"… Tracey Page, Dog my Cat Records, Canada
“…from the moment this quietly spoken Maori woman stepped on stage and began her performance I knew I would never forget
her… her a capella vocal strength sent shivers of awe down my spine. Mihirangi held the audience's avid attention… She
absolutely blew us away.” Beat Magazine, Melbourne, Isabel Lim, 2006
Click to enlarge
ENDS