Ladi6 (Karoline Tamati) is no doubt our most talented female MC, with the pedigree she has it's only natural that she would dominate the funk/soul genre in NZ music. On the release of her second album she radiated style and beauty with an overwhelming sense of joy to be back home in NZ.
Opening with a huge roar from the crowd Ladi6 banging in her one piece hood, immediately dived into an energetic set playing both old and new songs from ‘Time is not much’ and the newly released ‘Liberation of....’
Even though it was a Ladi6 show, collaborating with her partner Parks, the stage was full of chemistry and precision that was like listening to a CD of perfect duets. Ladi6’s performance oozed passion, her raps complimented his pitch-perfect harmonizing in 'gimme the light' and rap fill-ins (for Scribe in Call You Out) which worked brilliantly. Ladi6 completely in time with every note Parks produced.
The lively claps and synth of lead single on the new album 'Bang Bang' to the hypnotic magic of 'Like Water' with its cute references to love, the surprisingly up-beat 'Jazmine D.L' which is a tribute to her cousin that passed the whole vibe was amazing. The crowd obviously enjoying themselves and the energy seemed to rub off on everyone as they inched closer and closer to the stage. The level of excitement rose another level with ‘calling you out,’ booming through the Powerstation. The whole set brought together by Julien Dyne the master of percussion, keeping the beat.
A heartfelt thank you to the crowd and the room was still buzzing with the excitement and promise of Ladi 6 making more of the music that she was born for.
Ladi6 (Karoline Tamati) is one of New Zealand's premier vocalists and MCs. Starting her musical career in Christchurch, Ladi6 was part of the all-girl hip-hop group Sheelahroc. Sheelahroc had the hit track 'If I Gave You The Mic' and Ladi6 was nominated for Best Vocalist/MC at the 2003 bNet Music Awards.
Ladi6 then moved to Auckland with her band Verse Two who quickly gained a reputation as a top New Zealand live soul/hip-hop group. They won the bNet Best New Act Award in 2004, toured New Zealand with packed shows and supported international acts such as The Roots and De La Soul. Ladi6's vocals feature on stand-out tracks by some of Aotearoa's finest talent, including Shapeshifter, Scribe, Fat Freddy's Drop and 50Hz.
"There is something about her (Ladi 6), something about her voice and something about the way she carries herself and her attitude that is so nice and so beautiful". - Sam Trevethick, Real Groove