Now in its 17th year, Pao Pao Pao is a music showcase designed to celebrate the diversity of Māori music forms. This year's event will be held on Saturday 17 February at Pipitea Marae in Wellington.
APRA Maioha Award-winning thrash metal band Alien Weaponry lead the lineup for 2018. The Whangarei three-piece, aged between 15-17, perform using a combination of English and te reo Māori, and most recently penned a deal with heavy-hitting European label, Napalm Records.
Also on the bill are R&B singer-songwriter Kirsten Te Rito with with support from pianist James Illingworth and her band, local golden-tonsiled singer Mara TK performing alongside songwriter and pianist Mark Vanilau, haka soul musician Rob Ruha, choreographer Ngareta Teira-Tuiloma showcasing dance and haka, the queen of looping Mihirangi, Wellington-based roots band Grove Roots, Māori gospel artist Kaaterama, and celebrated slam poet Te Kahu Rolleston.
Kapa haka will also be a prominent element of the festival, with performances from Te Haeata Awatea from Wellington College and Wellington Girls College. Pao Pao Pao 2018 promises to deliver a night of inspirational entertainment and is suitable for all ages.
Image: Erica Sinclair Photography.