Tiki Taane promises bass-heavy Rotorua gig

Kiwi musician Tiki Taane is promising to bring the most underground, never heard of and the most progressive bass music to Rotorua this weekend.

The 35-year-old singer is performing at Rotorua's Heaven and Hell nightclub tomorrow night as part of its official opening celebrations.

He will be sharing the stage with DJ Sambora (from Shapeshifter), with support from DJ Overkill from 10pm, and says they won't be performing any mainstream music.

"My DJ Sambora [Shapeshifter] and I will be bringing bass heavy, beat driven, crazy [stuff]," he told The Daily Post.

"There will be no acoustic songs or Top 40 mainstream music, so if you're expecting that then we apologise now. Instead, we will be dropping the most underground, never heard of, progressive bass music that's out there," he said.

He is encouraging Rotorua residents to come and enjoy the gig.

"Bring it on Rotorua."

Taane, also known as MC Tiki, last played in Rotorua as part of the filming of To Sir With Love - a tribute to Rotorua music legend, the late Sir Howard Morrison.

Before that, he played with his band Salmonella Dub at a Rotorua bar in the late 1990s. Although the gig was "super packed and went off" he didn't like the venue. However, he is looking forward to the Rotorua audience and says he plans to regularly perform in the city.

"I'm super stoked to be playing in Rotorua and at the new club Heaven & Hell. If you build it the people will come."

Taane faced some controversy about nine months ago when he was arrested in a Tauranga club for singing a track by rap group NWA that was derogatory to police at the same time members of the police walked through Tauranga club Illuminati.

He was charged with acting in a disorderly manner, likely to incite violence, and he pleaded not guilty to the charge. The charges were dropped in September after mediation.

Taane said, "I'm super proud of how that all played out ... You can't arrest someone for singing or playing a song, especially when there was no trouble ... So when the police wanted to meet with me and talk [the case] I was very happy. It was a great win for musicians and artists - freedom to sing."

Tickets for tomorrow night are available from Burgerfuel, the venue or www.dashtickets.co.nz.

The tickets cost $10 or there will be limited door sales for $15.