September 12, 2013
Kahurangi shows way for music career
The Maori music world is out in force in Hastings today for a music expo leading up to this weekend’s Waiata Maori Music Awards.
Director Tama Huata says the focus is on transferring knowledge of the industry to rangatahi through workshops, panels and performances.
Some of that knowledge comes from his own group, Kahurangi, which last night released a new album to mark its 30th anniversary.
Mr Huata says the group has mastered the road through their annual tours to the United States and Canada.
"International agents are confident of booking Kahurangi years ahead because of the record they have built up. They know the product is going to be good, consistent, and the group is always going to be around. It's not an easy business, but if you do the basics well, there is quite a career in this," Mr Huata says.
He says the Kahurangi album Te Taumata was conceived as a best of production reflecting the 30 years since the group’s inception, and includes contributions from both past and present members.
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