Music News - Te Whānau Puoro National 2024 Smokefree Tangata Beats Winners Release Winning Single 'Rise Up'
23 February 2024 - 0 Comments
Te Whānau Puoro, hailing from Flaxmere College and Tamatea High School in the Hawkes Bay, proudly unveil their debut single, Rise Up, marking a significant moment following their victory at the Smokefree Tangata Beats National Final in September 2023.
Their performance of Rise Up impressed audiences during the competition, which serves as a platform for showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific. Established in 1996, Smokefree Tangata Beats mandates participants to infuse their performances with Te Reo Māori or a Pasifika language, instruments, dance, or movement, fostering cultural expression and original Aotearoa Kiwi music. Past successes of the event include renowned artists like Nesian Mystik, Ria Hall, and Alien Weaponry.
Lead-singer Shayne Te Kuru shared insight into the song's essence, stating, “The message we aim to convey is that by coming together, we can rise above oppression. We hope that our waiata will empower people and deepen their connection to ancestral knowledge.”
Reflecting on their journey, Te Whānau Puoro expressed the challenges faced both physically and emotionally. Their win in the regional Smokefree Tangata Beats earlier in the year propelled the band to the national stage, where they clinched the top spot amidst stiff competition. Their dedication earned them not only accolades but also $3k worth of musical equipment from Rockshop NZ, along with the opportunity to record the single and produce an accompanying video with the support of NZ On Air and the RQP team.
Rise Up was recorded at Massey Studios in Te Whanganui a Tara - Wellington, under the guidance of mentor Conway Jeune from Waiata Maori Music Award-winning act Toi. The official music video, directed by Dave Thomson at Imaginary Friends, provides a captivating glimpse into the studio session.
Te Whānau Puoro's winning lineup includes Shayne Te Kuru (vocals, pūtātara), Aroha Sellwood (vocals, guitar), Izrael Shields (guitar), Naiara Marshall (keys), Hohua Mitai-Price (bass), and Koha Sellwood (drums).
Feeling inspired by Te Whānau Puoro's success? Entries for this year's Smokefree Tangata Beats are now open. Visit smokefreetangatabeats.co.nz for more details.
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