MEDIA RELEASE 25 November, 2011
LADI 6 performs for Aranui
Ladi 6 aka Karoline Tamati returns to her Christchurch roots to perform at Aranui’s Family Festival AFFIRM on Saturday 3
December at Wainoni Park.
Joining other local legends on the free annual festival’s bill, the Ladi 6 camp (DJ/producer and lifepartner Brent
Parks, and musician Julien Dyne) have just returned from living and touring in Europe picking up two Vodafone NZ Music
Awards –Best Female Solo artist and Best Urban / Hip Hop Album for her second album “Ladi 6 –The Liberation Of…” After a
whirlwind tour to festivals in Germany, and the UK such as Glastonbury and the Big Chill in and a short run in Asia,
totalling 50 performances, the most notable of shows as the support act for Erykah Badu.
The AFFIRM homecoming at Wainoni Park signifies the commitment to Aranui by Tamati, now back in Auckland for the
summer. Festival Organiser and Community Worker Rachael Fonotia is very grateful for Ladi’ acceptance to play at AFFIRM.
“adi’ been awesome. She’ wanting to give back to the community. When we asked her, she was living in Berlin at the time,
and she said straight away, “es, we’ love to do it”says Fonotia. AFFIRM celebrates its ten year anniversary, continuing
its family day programme despite the surrounding eastern Suburbs of Aranui, Bexley and Wainoni being amongst the hardest
hit by Christchurch’ earthquakes.
“Continuing on with the festival is an important part of Aranui’ recovery. We’e still here. We want the whole of
Christchurch to come over to the eastside to enjoy the family fun day. AFFIRM is always a big day for Aranui but after
the year we’e had, we want everyone to enjoy the festival. Everyone deserves it.”Ladi 6 was born and raised in Aranui,
and is no stranger to celebrity status being the cousin of Christchurch’ premiere Hip Hip artist Scribe who played at
AFFIRM back in 2005. AFFIRM starts on Saturday 3 December at 9.30am with all day featuring entertainment from local
primary schools, Te Kotahitanga Kapa Haka Group, breaking crew Common Ground, local hip hop group FUSA and many more.
There will be community awards, Top Town, running races and face painting. A special Haka has been posted online for
people to learn and join in on the day. Actis is the organisation responsible for AFFIRM, where Ms Fonotia also runs
health, youth and family initiatives. The AFFIRM working group was established in 2001. Actis is also the home for the
Pacific Hub, an Earthquake help service for families in the eastern suburbs.
ENDS