Tena tatau katoa i runga i nga ahuatanga o te tau hou. Tenei au ka mihi atu.
Greetings from Windy Wellywood - the city that never sleeps because the wind has most likely blown down your house!
As one of 3 “new kids on the titiko patch block”, I thought it best to slowly ease everyone into the world of entertainment,
celebrities, glitz and glamour rather than attempt to ram it all down your throats and expect you to gulp it at once – so just to catch you up, here goes:
Kia Ora – Bonjourno!
As an extremely fortunate member of Te Waka Huia, current champions of the Bi-annual Te Matatini competitions, I was given the opportunity to travel to Venice Italy as part of a small NZ delegation attending the supreme visual arts festival known as the Venice Biennale. I was also fortunate to be travelling with another fellow papaka, Tomika Whiu. Te Waka Huia travelled as cultural ambassadors, fundamental to the opening of all the New Zealand arts exhibitions. Moana and the Tribe were also with us, so we got to schmooze up to all those flash Maoris.
Needless to say, the experience was mind blowing. Being surrounded by thousands of years of Venetian history in an extremely staunch Catholic environment, it was a trip I will never forget! Running through the streets of Venice in full Te Waka Huia regalia reciting haka, with a large crowd of interested onlookers following behind in awe and amazement at the beauty of our culture is something that will be embedded in my mind for years to come.
Here is a link to the website for your viewing pleasure - watch “blessing of venues and opening ceremony: http://www.nzatvenice.com/video.html
Te Ao Waiata
Over the last 10 years, I have been very fortunate to have worked with some big players of the Aotearoa music industry. These people have given me the tools to stand on my own two feet as a young semi-established musician. Most recently, I recorded on soul singer Hollie Smith’s new album, which is due for release in March. I have also toured with Hollie throughout Europe to countries such as France, Belgium, Switzerland, England, Scotland and Ireland.
In 2010, I will be focusing on my own album, and pushing for its release for summer 2011. With the help of producers John Chong Nee (AKA Brown) and Riki Gooch (Trinity Roots, Fat Freddys Drop) I aim to create an eclectic album of music based on roots and reggae fused with electronica and hip hop. So watch this space…you never know you might see me on stage at the next Raggamuffin!
Hei Whakamutu ake
I think that’s enough for now, but stay tuned for the next edition of Ria’s Room…live and direct from Wellywood!
Papaka out!
Ria
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