Kokowai (pictured) and Mahuika (see the following picture in this gallery) were finalists in the Smokefree Tangata Beats and will play off in a national event next month. Pictures by Liam Clayton
Kokowai (pictured) and Mahuika (see the following picture in this gallery) were finalists in the Smokefree Tangata Beats and will play off in a national event next month. Pictures by Liam Clayton
Two East Coast bands are among the top seven Smokefree Tangata Beats and next month will vie for the top spots at this year’s national final.
Gisborne Girls’ High School band Mahuika took second place at the Smokefreerockquest East Coast regional in June while Kokowai of Te Kura Kaupapa Maorio Hawaiki Hou placed third overall. Kokowai were also judged best vocalists.
Smokefree Tangata Beats participants must incorporate te reo Maori or a Polynesian language, instruments, dance or movement in their performance. The regional finalists submitted a video of their original material for selection as one of the top 10 for the national final.
At stake are winners’ prize packages that include $5500 in Rockshop vouchers, an $8000 NZ On Air recording, video and promo package, Best Musicianship Award Smokefree Mana Wahine Award, Smokefree Best Vocals Award, APRA Lyric Writers Award, NZ Music Commission Best Song Award, Reo Award.
The national final will be held at the Vodafone Events Centre in Auckland on September 21.
