Whata Brown wins at Pounamu Country Music Awards

GREENSTONE COWBOY: More than a win in the gospel section of the Pounamu Country Music Awards made Manutuke musician Whata Brown’s day at the inaugural awards event in Levin this month. Picture by Liam Clayton

HAVING returned to the country music circuit this year after a 15-year break Manutuke musician Whata Brown was rapt to find he was roomed with his inspiration, and the event’s special guest, Dennis Marsh.

“I was a bit nervous but after talking for quarter of an hour we got on like a house on fire,” says Brown.

“A win on top of that really made my weekend.”

Brown’s performance of Marsh’s song He Knew Me landed that win. The Manutuke country singer was also runner-up in the male country rock section.