Toi Maori Aotearoa is proud to announce an exciting line-up of Maori musicians to play at PAO PAO PAO 2010 during NZ Music Month.

Toi Maori Aotearoa is proud to announce an exciting line-up of Maori musicians to play at PAO PAO PAO 2010 during NZ Music Month.

The line-up includes Maori Music Award winner and Maioha Award finalist Maisey Rika as well as Wellington soul and funk divas Ria Hall and Lisa Tomlins.

Project Manager, Ngahiwi Apanui says PAO PAO PAO 2010 will show off the exciting depth of female singing talent in contemporary Maori music. 

“These women are supreme vocalists and PAO PAO PAO is a rare opportunity to enjoy them all in one show. “

The two-hour gig also includes a ‘classics’ bracket featuring popular contemporary Maori songs performed by the original artists including “Maumahara Noa” by Brannigan Kaa, “Ko wai ka hua” by Toni Huata, “Kia mau” by Mina Ripia and “Ake Ake” by Kimo Winiata.

The other headline acts are taonga puoro exponent Hormona Horo and hip hop artist Tyna Keelan and his band The Nok. Ngahiwi Apanui says “Regardless of their genre all the PAO PAO PAO artists have strong Maori musical influences.”

PAO PAO PAO 2010 will be held at Pipitea Marae, Wellington on Friday 21 May and Saturday 22 May to celebrate te ara puoro - the diversity of Maori music and the 10^th NZ Music Month.

Tickets are available from Toi Maori Aotearoa, Mina Ripia and other selected outlets. Check out www.maoriart.org.nz for further details.