Bio

We are NI-N-JAH, a 8 piece band that loves to jam. We play mostly reggae with a bit of rock fusion and trippy stuff thrown in the mix. We began our journey early in 2010.

Often referred to as "The Ninjas", we hail from Ngaruawahia, Paeroa and Hamilton. The band has a very strong whanau dimension and only one female member (Tish - the Ninjette).

We started off in a shed at Netherton (just outside Paeroa) jamming just beacuse we loved it. There was five of us to begin with, all of us inexperienced and shy performers. Our very first jam was at the Fathers Tavern on a Sunday afternoon, and it was an epic fail! We only had five songs (all covers) and a bit of stage fright got the best of us.

6 months later we have a few gigs under our belt and we add to the Ni-N-Jah crew. Stefan settles for the ryhthmic beats of the percussion and Tish adds our female dimension becoming our first and only ninjette. We suffer disappointment along our journey but come back hungry, yearning for more. Persistence is rewarded resulting in gigs lined up in the night clubs and festivals alongside noteable acts such as 1814, Whirimako Black, Aardijah, Ruia Aperahama and Three Houses Down.

So in September 2010 we make our first mini break. A live jam on Radio Tainui got our name out there and for the first time people started standing up and taking notice of our unique style of originals and covers. This was followed by the release of our very first track "Pride" which broke records on Radio Tainui's "Te Wa Kotahi" drivetime show, hosted by Pango Winterburn.

Early in 2011 we got around to recording an EP at The Porch Recording Studio, and slowly released these tracks over Radio Tainui among other iwi radio stations. All of which have seen some sort of success in the top 5 countdown.

And now we have our latest addition, Jay Jay Locke. This talented musician knows his way around many different instruments but has made his mark on the keys and BVs. From soundman to keys man he adds some more flow to the ninja reggae fusion mix.

We continue lining up some massive gigs all over the country. Summer looks busy and we are ready to roll!

Band Members:
Charles Tana (guitar, backing vocals)
Hika Pakinga (guitar, backing vocals)
Clayton Pakinga (drums)
Dallas Taukiri (bass, backing vocals)
Toti West (bass, backing vocals)
Jay Jay Locke (keyboards, backing vocals)
Sean Hamana (vocals)

Links

• Facebook Page
• Youtube Page