22 March 2010 - 0 Comments

Hui-a came together with a common vision; to make contemporary music that features taonga puoro (traditional Maori instruments or ‘singing treasures’) as a driving force in its sound. Formed in London in 2006, in Hui-a producer Ben Mullon and taonga puoro musician and vocalist Jerome Kavanagh have fused together the sounds of London and Aotearoa, and they will be bringing their EP and live set home to NZ for the first time this April.

Excited by both the sounds of the taonga puoro and the dance music heard in UK clubs, Hui-a soon developed a unique blend, incorporating the wealth of knowledge of the ancient instruments, te reo Maori, and haka that Jerome has, with Ben’s skills as a guitarist, composer, arranger, and producer.  Some of the traditional instruments heard on their tracks are taonga which were taken from Aotearoa to the UK by Captain Cook in the 18th Century, and which are now held at the Cuming and British Museums. Recently Jerome has been based here working on a taonga puoro project in schools, while Ben has remained in the UK finishing work on their upcoming album (due for release late 2010).

Named after lead single ‘Got To Live’, their debut EP was released in June 2009 at a launch show held in Soho, London.  These five tracks and remixes were inspired by life in London’s diverse cultural mix.  The video to ‘Got To Live’ shows how Hui-a are attempting to merge this life with links to their shared Maori ancestry: set in central London the clip switches between Jerome using traditional Maori instruments and performing the haka,  with images of some of London’s best parkour practitioners racing through the busy city.  Check out the video here.

Second single ‘Ki Mua Ki (part II)’ features vocals from Kevin Mark Trail, an African/Caribbean/British singer-songwriter (who also performs with British dance act ‘The Streets’).  Kevin also features on the new single and forthcoming album from NZ saxophonist Nathan Haines.

April will see Hui-a play a series of showcase events throughout the North Island, their first on Aotearoa shores, including one night at Auckland’s Khuja Lounge on Thursday 8^th April.

Hui-a also includes John Mullon on violin and Aaron Hapuku on backing vocals. Mark Taipari will join Hui-a for their Thames show.

Hui-a: proudly taking Maori music to the four corners; growth and change.

Ki mua ki.  Tihei Mauri ora!

HUI-A LIVE IN CONCERT

Withperformances from Kevin Mark Trail

Khuja Lounge, Auckland - Thursday 8^th April / Tickets $5 on the door

Koru Café, Taihape – Friday 9^th April / Tickets $5 on the door

Brew Bar, Thames – Sunday 11^th April, from midday / free

“Got To Live” EP available now from iTunes and http://www.huiaband.com/

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