Performers & Artists

The music of Te Vaka, written by Opetaia Foa'i is traditionally influenced - tribal, powerful and rootsy yet melodic, warm, earthy and atmospheric.

The log drums (or Pate in his native language) are an important part of the sound, capturing the infectious rhythms of the South Seas and creating a Pacific groove.

Opetaia has a very deep and passionate involvement with the Islands of the South Pacific. He writes songs that tell the story of Polynesia, from the original pioneers who traveled across the largest ocean on the planet with a simple canoe (vaka) to the current destruction of many of the smaller Pacific Islands such as Tokelau and Tuvalu due to the effects of Global warming.

The songs are mostly in the language of Tokelau, an original dialect of old Polynesia, but in the later albums there are songs in Samoan and Tuvaluan also.. This serves as a means of keeping the language alive as well as imparting, to the music, the rich colour and rhythm of the language itself.

The listener is offered something new and unique, the barriers of age and culture are broken down on a journey through Polynesia that reaches into the heart of us all.

Te Vaka proudly supports Moana Pasifika "The Spirit of the Pacific" 95.3fm by providing their music.

Manawa Mai Tawhiti

For more Information & Bookings Click on Picture

Western Australia (WA) | Home of the Australian National Kapa Haka (Maori Performing Arts) Champions

Hi there

I am messaging on behalf of a WA based Maori Performing Arts Team called, Manawa Mai Tawhiti.

Recently they travelled to Canberra to represent WA at the Australian National Kapa Haka Competitions, held from 11 - 13 June at EPIC. (Exhibition Park in Canberra).

Teams representing WA (x2), VIC (x3), NSW (x3) and QLD (x1) totalling nine (9),competed in Non -Compulsory Aggregate (6 Sections) and Compulsory Aggregate items (6 Sections) and were judged by cultural exponents and experts from NZ.

Manawa Mai Tawhiti of WA was very successful as overall winners of the competition.

They placed 1st in numerous sections, and won 4 of the 6 Compulsory sections to secure the overall win. They bought lots oft rophies and certificates back to WA. Asa young group (10 months old) they were very humbled by the successes.

Groups and supporters from across Australia(total of approx 5000 - 7000 ppl) were accorded a traditional smoking ceremony from Duncan Smith and the Wiradjuri Echoes Dance Group, and a beautiful Welcome to Country was conducted by Aunty Agnes Shea OAM, a Ngunnawal Elder (Traditional Peoples of the Canberra region). In attendance were dignitaries from Australia. The Maori King, Tuheitia, who is Patron of Maori Performing Arts, also travelled from NZ with his wife, for the occasion.

Please see video coverage below. Maori Television were on hand to record all performances, and also TVNZ, Te Karere News, were there to report the news for family back in NZ (This is in Maori language, but there are sub-titles for you to follow)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdetapM7hcw

From the win, they qualified to travel back to NZ for the big festival, Te Matatini o Te Ra being held in Gisborne, on the east coast of New Zealand in Feb 2011 - see link for more info:

http://www.tematatini.co.nz/regions/australia.htm

WA has never had a team win the comps before, so history was made by Manawa Mai Tawhiti.

If you were interested in speaking further, please feel free to contact me.

Warm regards,

Matthew Paki

(On behalf of Manawa Mai Tawhiti Maori Club, Perth, WA)

Allan Spowart

Allan Spowart

Traditional Country & Rock'n'Roll music for all types of occasions. Sounds like Johnny Cash.

"WILDFIRE"

Allan Spowart, Lead Singer/Rhythm Guitarist, has played music around W.A. most of his life and is influenced by artists such as Johnny Cash, Slim Dusty, Charlie Pride and most traditional country music artists. He brought out his CD "Straight from the Heart" of original songs in mid 2007. He was a finalist for Male Vocalist at Boyupbrook in February 2008.
Allan was also one of the top three nominees (finalist) for 2010 WA Country Music Male Artist Award. He brought out his CD "Journey" of original songs & 4 cover songs in May 2010.Allan was the winner of Best New Talent Award & one of the top three nominees (finalist) for Male Artist Award at the 2011 WA Country Music Awards.

For Gigs, Bookings & all other Information, Click on Allans picture

Te Uru Putoi O Te Arawa

TE URU PUTOI O TE ARAWA

Te Uru Putoi O Te Arawa was formulated through conversation of whanau members wanting to make a difference in the standard of Kapa Haka here in WA. It was also noted that other iwi had their own groups but there wasn't one specifically for Te Arawa. So it was from there that we decided to create a group.

Te Uru Putoi O Te Arawa is open to all those that are wanting to learn and nurture kawa me ona tikanga. We strive to educate those that want to learn more about our culture and people, our history and achievements, our future and its direction.

For more information on this wonderful performance group contact the director on 0415 242 723.

or Click on Picture for still more Information

Howie Morgan singer songwriter.

Howie developed his craft in bands playing everything from rock to jazz . In 1999/2000 he studied music at the West Australian Academy of Performing Arts and started writing original material.

Email: howiemorgan@westnet.com.au

Web: http://www.howiemorgan.com/

TE AROHANUI CULTURE CLUB

Te Arohanui Maori Club was started in a suburban parking lot in Perth by a group of people hungry for learning and not wanting their children to lose their heritage. We are a non-profit organisation with the aim to one day be part of or establish a cultural community centre. Keeping our culture alive for our children and our children's children is a vital part of Te Arohanui and to keep the learning apart of our everyday lives will keep Te Arohanui alive. Our group consists of people from all parts of New Zealand and the world. We are not restrictedto certain "Tribes". We welcome all with open arms.
Click on Photo for more Information

Maera Paki Band

Formed in late 2005, the outfit of this band has continued to stay together, play and create music with the wonderful leadership of lead singer songwriter, rhythm guitarist Maera Paki.

Maera has been writing original material for a number of years but over the time her music still remains to stay deep, true and accepted by all ages. Maera's attitude to her music is and has always been one that is not to be labeled not to be cornered into one genre, lyrics written on experience, emotions or feelings couldn't possibly sound the same? This attitude has seen Maera's music weave its way through time and into the space it currently sits which is true and raw.

Maera's music is enjoyed from many around the world, and her album that will be released in late 2008 is one people are lining up for. Maera encourages people to support original music so that it will allow their art to be more popular and recognized.

You can check out more info about the band and next gig dates at the website www.maerapaki.com

Wairua Tipuna

Wairua Tipuna

I have been living in Perth for 22 years, love it heaps. Ko Hikurangi Te Maunga, Ko Waiapu Te Awa, Ko Ngatiporou Te Iwi. I attended Makarika Primary School then went on to Ngata Memorial College. I went on to Varsity in Auckland and graduated with a degree in Music.
Have been the tutor for Wairua Tipuna since we formed in 1998 in Perth. Our Roopu have just returned from performing at the 2008 Regional Kapahaka Competition in Melbourne, this was a first for us and also the first group to represent W.A. since the comps began in Australia. We came 1st for the Waiata A Tira and equal 2nd for the Whaikorero, we are very pleased with the results. For bookings or to join our roopu contact Jo Matthews on 0416 352 304 .

Click on Picture for more Information

Matt Larsen
Matt Larsen is a young teenage singer/songwriter who first picked up a guitar at age 9 and quickly began to write and perform his own songs. His ability to create catchy melodies and foot tapping rhythms combined with meaningful lyrics has delighted audiences both young and old. Matt is also an accomplished drummer and plays all the instruments on his recordings to date.

Appearing and performing live on Perth's Access 31 TV station, 95.3fm and 89.7fm radio stations.

Matt's debut EP "Undeniable" is out now! It's on sale directly from this site via CD Online, digital download from iTunes, Blastmymusic or at all good independent record stores throughout Perth!

For more information visit http://www.myspace.com/mattblarsen.