Maaka PohatuMaaka Pohatu
Modern Maori Quartet
Like golden syrup on warm Maori fry bread.
Q What songs are on the set list?
A range of classics from the Howard Morrison era, classic Kiwi and Maori anthems, and a lot of songs from the showband era, like the Hi-Marks, but also a lot of contemporary material - we either switch it up and make it sound classic or take a classic and put a fresh spin on it.
Q Who plays guitar in the quartet?
I play the bulk of the guitar but we do switch round and at any given time we can all be playing.
Q Any other instruments?
It's quite a low-fi set-up of semi-acoustic instruments - four guitars, a cajun box and a bass.
Q Does the Maori strum feature?
Yeah, but we call it the jing-ja-jink.
Q What was the appeal of the showband era?
Their appeal was huge. They were superstars and not only to Maori but they had a massive international following. It was their charm, the level of showmanship and musicianship and they dressed killer. They looked immaculate and they could sing. Combine that with our unique Maori sense of humour and, man, game over.
Q Any apprehension about playing in Dunedin?
Not at all, Dunedin's my home town. I'm quite excited to bring this home and the boys are excited because each of us has a mission to take our work back to our home town and really smash it.
Q How many home towns have you performed in?
I'm the first one.
Q Ever get nervous?
Sometimes I get nervous in front of my peers and sometimes I get nervous if I know there's people I know in the audience but as soon as I see them, it's like, cool.
Q What makes you smile?
Man, I'm always smiling, sometimes for no reason. Sometimes when I'm angry I smile.
Q Does Dunedin hold any special memories for you?
Many. My brother and I spent most of our young lives on campus at Otago University - our parents were lecturers in the Maori studies department. Dad was the department head. We were practically raised there. I'm Auckland-based now but Dunedin will always be home.
• Modern Maori Quartet performs at the Glenroy Auditorium at 8pm tonight and 8pm tomorrow.
