Making memories

FINALISTS: Timana Pokoati, Ripeka Akurangi, Te Whaiororangihuia Webster, Saqqara Warmenhoven and Siseliani Grant got together to form Girls' High band Nga Rau Mahara. Picture by Paul Rickard

From reaching the regional finals last year to taking up a spot in the national finals of Tangata Beats this year, reggae band Nga Rau Mahara are one of the few emerging youth bands in the region.

The Gisborne Girls' High School band consists of members Siseliani Grant on bass, Ripeka Akurangi on keys, guitarist Timana Pokoati, drummer Saqqara Warmenhoven and lead vocalist and guitarist Te Whaiororangihuia (Oro) Webster.

The five-piece band was formed about two years ago, Oro said.

“It kind of started as a classroom thing. We all were in the same class and had a good friendship so when we had to form a band for music class we got together.”

The group came up with the name Nga Rau Mahara from a realisation that they wanted to create memories from things they have experienced and instil those as messages in their songs.

“That's how we came up with the song Akurau Mahara, which is all about memories,” Oro said.

This composition, along with their signature reggae melody Salut, helped the band secure a spot in the top 10 of Tangata Beats earlier this month.

Although they missed out on an opportunity to perform in the regional heats this year due to several band members contracting Covid-19, they were given a second chance to prove themselves during the second round, which involved them uploading their music online.