Contemporary and traditional Indigenous performing artists from Alaska, Denmark and the Waikato feature in the Ahi Kaa – Home Fires concert being staged at Clarence Street Theatre on Friday 22 March in support of the 2024 Waikato River Festival programme.
The exciting Ahi Kaa – Home Fires concert line-up includes PAMYUA, a six-piece Alaskan band that recently headlined the Los Angeles Global Music Festival. PAMYUA is a Yup’ik Inuit word that means “encore” and their music, described as “Inuit Soul Music” and “Tribal Funk,” draws on traditional Inuit melodies reinterpreted with contemporary vocalization and instrumentation. Their music is also heavily influenced by R&B and African American gospel. Integral to their staged performances is native Alaskan instrumentation, such as the Cauyaq drum, and mask dancing which evokes and honors traditional Yup'ik dancing.
Complementing the concert line-up is Rootz Konekt, a nine-piece band from Kirkiriroa who aim to bring the Ahi Kaa – Home Fires audience to their feet with their unique take on their homegrown roots reggae that incorporates jazz and funk influences. Well known MC and spoken word artist Maria Huata will be weaving the evening programme together along with Phatmode Entertainment turntablists with dance music, including bass-heavy remixes of funky house and old school RnB Hip Hop favourites.
Te Pou o Mangataawhiri, a senior kapa haka group with deep historical roots in the Waikato Tainui region will kick off the Ahi Kaa – Home Fires concert programme. This highly esteemed group, established by Princess Te Puea Herangi in 1921 has a rich legacy and plays a vital role in preserving and sharing the stories and history of Waikato Tainui through their dynamic kapa haka performances. They are amongst the top echelon of senior kapa haka groups in the country the reigning champions for the Tainui Waka region.
As with previous Ahi Kaa – Home Fires concerts, the talent on stage will be supported by excellent sound, lighting, and projection production values from the ACLX team. Space will also be provided in the venue for those wanting some freedom to dance.
