MEDIA RELEASE
Wednesday 5 June 2012
PAO PAO PAO celebrates 10 years of contemporary Maori music
The annual show-case of top contemporary Maori musicians celebrates its 10th anniversary at Pipitea Marae in Wellington
on Saturday 16 June with a stellar line-up of ten Maori artists.
As always, PAO PAO PAO offers a range of top international acts as well as rising stars. Sixteen-year-old Majic Paora
will perform in a line-up with internationally renowned artists such as Ruia and Bella Kalolo. The bilingual show
features elements of taonga puoro (traditional Maori instruments), big band sounds, jazz, soul, reggae and kapa haka as
well as a stunning array of vocal talent.
Organiser, Ngahiwi Apanui says PAO PAO PAO gives all New Zealanders a rare chance to experience the diverse range of
contemporary Maori music in one show.
He says, “PAO PAO PAO always offers some surprises for the audience, even those that come back every year, it gives
people a snap-shot of what influences contemporary Maori music and also what makes these musicians unique.”
At this year’s 10th anniversary concert, the ten acts performing are Majic, Ariana Tikao, Toni Huata, Kirsten Te Rito,
Aio, Brannigan Kaa, David Grace & Injustice, Ruia, Vintage and Bella Kalolo. For more information on the artists, go to www.maoriart.org.nz
Ngahiwi Apanui adds, “PAO PAO PAO is an opportunity for us to see our musical ambassadors perform at home and to
celebrate younger Māori musicians who are following in their footsteps. Over the years, PAO PAO PAO has set a benchmark
for contemporary Maori music and it has become a regular fixture on the New Zealand music calendar.”
Tickets for the three hour show are on sale exclusively from Toi Maori Aotearoa. Prices are $30 for adults, $15 for
children, students and kaumatua, $50 for a whanau pass.
PAO PAO PAO is supported by Creative New Zealand, Wellington City Council, Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Maori, Te Mangai Paho
and New Zealand Music Commission.
ends