Vicky King reviews a concert by her son, Kiwi rapper Tourettes, and remembers what got him started rapping in the first place.
I figured out Dominic liked words when he was a little kid. I remember when he was two years old, and he said, 'It's a blustery day today, isn't it?'
He used to write letters and little stories, and he liked performing. At primary school, he dressed up like Michael Jackson and danced to that Beat It song onstage. He always used to wear a helmet, gloves and gumboots - and he wouldn't go out without them.
When he was at high school, he started to play punk music - that was the first thing he performed. He had a band and they were in that Smokefree contest. Back then it was punk, and he was the drummer - the words came later.
When he was older he won that Battle for Supremacy rap competition - he came straight home and told me, and he was really excited.
I didn't used to go to the rap shows 'cause I'd always feel a little out of place - not my scene or something.
It was good to see him at this show though. The music was good and the guy singing with him and the woman on violin, and I liked Dominic's words.
When he talks about his past, you think, 'Oh my goodness me - is that how he really saw it?' Kids always remember things differently, don't they?
I like the way he has political content and he has things to say - there's a lot of people who don't say anything anymore. I think he's really good because he's doing what he likes to do - it just seems like it must be a lot of effort to get up there and perform, but I'm really pleased to see him happy and following his passion.
I'm definitely proud of him.
What: My Mother Says I'm Talented, featuring Tourettes
Where: The Basement, Auckland
When: Wednesday, September 28
- Volume