This term my class is performing Stan Walker at the school's Matariki night. Every class is performing a Maori song to help celebrate the Maori New Year. My role in the performance is to do the poi alongside Stacey, Sharayah, and Chloe. I'm nervous to do so because I haven't performed using poi since primary school, but I know the basics of it and I think I can learn it easily when I get back to school. We have made good progress on Matariki so far: we have our choreography finished and now we are perfecting it to make it look better for the night. I am going to wear a lava lava or traditional Maori costume over my school uniform along with black lipstick and liner for the night, inspired by my friend Jay (thanks) and my Kapa Haka outfit from primary school. I need to make sure I have somewhere to put my poi after I've finished using it, however. I am doing well with the lyrics but I am getting muddled at some points which I need to work on. I like the song overall so I'm not too stressed about the words. My next steps are to learn the Poi choreography and work on the lyrics!
Task: By now you have probably encountered traditional types of Maori music and instruments such Kapa Haka, however Maori artists as are current in their performances as any other cultures. Listen to one of three Maori songs and answer the following questions. Then, find another Maori artist and share their work.
(1) What type of music is this? I think the genre is Pop/Tropical because it sounds like a pop song, except it's in Maori. (2) Who performs it? Rob Ruha and The Witch Doctor (which is a pretty cool name tbh) (3) What inspired them to write it? Kalega was written to express joy and happiness. (4) What did you like about the music? I think the beat was catchy and it was upbeat so it could probably cheer someone up... I think I first heard this song last year and it reminded me of being with friends at school. (5) What did you like about the video? I think it represented New Zealand in a happy, joyful way which I really liked. There is no English translation available.
Task: By now you have probably encountered traditional types of Maori music and instruments such Kapa Haka, however Maori artists as are current in their performances as any other cultures. Listen to one of three Maori songs and answer the following questions. Then, find another Maori artist and share their work.
(1) What type of music is this? I think the genre is Pop/Tropical because it sounds like a pop song, except it's in Maori. (2) Who performs it? Maimoa. (3) What inspired them to write it? Maimoa is a song 'encouraging ones belief in their natural instinct or spirit, we call 'wairua'. At times of adversity and hardship, it's that very natural instinct that will direct you. It's by trusting in that 'wairua' you will reach your full potential, so let your 'wairua' soar...'. (4) What did you like about the music? I think the beat was catchy and it was upbeat so it could probably cheer someone up... it reminded me a lot about the students at Hornby High School because we have insanely talented Maori singers, dancers, and we're all a big family. (5) What did you like about the video? I think the costumes and makeup were very pretty, I didn't like the video much because it didn't represent what the song means. ENGLISH TRANSLATIONThe essence of soul and spirit tingles the skin.
An essence that isn't truly felt until one opens up
Once confronted by internal debate, a source of life and inspiration springs within you.
A spring-well of instinct and a soul that is completely yours
It is your SPIRIT - may it spread around the world
It is your SOUL - let it fly and soar
Filled with instinct and inspiration that can guide you to your full potential
A little wairua is better than none at all, be it small or large - it is still a gift.
Although it may not be tangible, it's a connection blind to the naked eye
Once confronted by internal debate, a source of life and inspiration springs within you.
A spring-well of life and soul that is completely yours
It is your SPIRIT - may it spread around the world
It is your SOUL - let it fly and soar
A subtle means of inspiration and spiritual flow that can guide you to your full potential
Stomp clap the beat the beat clap, to the pound pound clap, the beat the beat CLAP!
Stand up and let your wairua guide you!
It is your SPIRIT - may it spread around the world
It is your SOUL - let it fly and soar
Filled with instinct and inspiration that can guide you to your full potential
Task: By now you have probably encountered traditional types of Maori music and instruments such Kapa Haka, however Maori artists as are current in their performances as any other cultures. Listen to one of three Maori songs and answer the following questions. Then, find another Maori artist and share their work.
(1) What type of music is this? I believe the genre would be Cultural Music/Pop/Vocal because it sounds pretty modern but is enriched with Maori culture. (2) Who performs it? Modern Maori Quartet (3) What inspired them to write it? Mareikura is, according to their website, the 'perfect way to celebrate Matariki' because the song reflects on Maori goddesses of the heavens. (4) What did you like about the music? Certain parts of the instrumentals reminded me of an old musical by Jeff Wayne - it certainly has great harmonies and work together well. (5) What did you like about the video? It had a rawness to music that I appreciated; I could see how the music was made and not how the band was represented, like in what a music video would display. I think music-making has more importance. There was no English translation available.
Task: By now you have probably encountered traditional types of Maori music and instruments such Kapa Haka, however Maori artists as are current in their performances as any other cultures. Listen to one of three Maori songs and answer the following questions. Then, find another Maori artist and share their work.
(1) What type of music is this? I believe the genre would be Cultural Music/Pop/Vocal because it sounds pretty modern but is enriched with Maori culture. (2) Who performs it? Stan Walker, a 27-year-old New Zealand recording artist. (3) What inspired them to write it? According to Stan Walker, it is a song "to acknowledge our Reo, our unique indigenous culture and who we are as New Zealanders, as well as our connection to Aotearoa" (4) What did you like about the music? I liked how it incorporated both male and female voices, the lyrics were catchy, and it included the National Anthem. (5) What did you like about the video? I liked how it was a pretty accurate representation of New Zealand, and I'm proud to live here after watching it. ENGLISH TRANSLATION I am the mountain, you are the sea flowing toward me You are the river that runs through me, I am her she is me Created from dust and sand, born to lead this land
Where we come from we were made to be strong Our legacy will carry on And if a piece of home Resonates in your soul Your journey will take you Where you belong
No matter if you're near or far We come from the land of God No matter where you belong We'll fight for your freedom
[RIA HALL:] The heritage of this land is deep, we are it's legacy I am her warrior, I fight for thee, we have the victory Born from blood and tears, I am stronger than fear
[TROY KINGI:] We strive to move to our destiny we practice more than what we preach and if a piece of home resonates in your soul your journey will take you where you belong
No matter if you're near or far We come from the land of God No matter where you belong We'll fight for your freedom
[NZ NATIONAL ANTHEM – MAISEY RIKA]
God of Nations at thy feet In the bonds of love we meet Hear our voices we entreat God defend our free land!
No matter if you're near or far We come from the land of God No matter where you belong We'll fight for your freedom
No matter if you're near or far We come from the land of God No matter where you belong We'll fight for your freedom
No matter if you're near or far We come from the land of God No matter where you belong We'll fight for your freedom