NRG Rising
About NRG Rising from Hamilton
NRG Rising
NRG Rising is the world’s first mother and daughters trio to front fresh, fun and conscious reggae that showcases soulful vocals & soothing harmonies. NRG Rising’s fresh, female reggae has two main themes; one of self determination including messages of belief, strength and understanding, and the other of fun, good times and love.
Based in Hamilton, New Zealand, NRG Rising was founded by Benita Tahuri, her two daughters, Anahera-Pono Tahuri-Whakatope and Honey Tahuri-Whakatope (proudly from the town of Wairoa on the East Coast of New Zealand’s North Island, and descended from the indigenous tribes of Ngāti Kahungunu and Tūhoe), and partner Bevin Hira (from Hamilton, Ngāti Haua and Ngāti Whātua). The fifth core band member, Trinity Blake, is also from Wairoa (Kurupakiaka).
The Story so far...
NRG Rising is one of the fastest moving reggae bands in New Zealand. This energetic, focused, and driven band has been around in the music scene for just over 18 months, and has achieved many milestones since their first gig in May 2009, including;
• performed 52 gigs, 36 of these being NRG Rising signature gigs
• Performed gigs up and down the country in Ngongotaha, Wairoa, Napier, Hastings (Clive), Ngaruawahia, Otorohanga, Papakura, Parakai, Hamilton, Waihi, Auckland, Mt Maunganui, Tauranga, Taupo, Tokomaru Bay, Gisborne, Whitianga, Waiuku, Whakatane, Ruatoki, Rotoiti, Rotorua, Raglan, Kawhia
• Performed at Te Hamua Nikora - Prostate Cancer Fundraiser, Rotorua
• Performed at Chur Chur Christchurch Earthquake Fundraiser, Rotorua
• Performed at Pasifika Festival, Auckland, March 2010
• Released first single ”Summertime Party” in June 2010
• ”Summertime Party” single reached number 1 on Tainui radio Jul 2010
• “Summertime Party” single reached number 5 on Top 20 Pacific Radio Charts
• Recorded first album at Revolver Studios, Waiuku, Auckland, in Nov 2010
• Released first album ‘From Darkness To Light’ in Feb 2011
• Releasing first song in Te Reo Maori (language), with album in Feb 2011)
• Raised $10,000 USD from Sellaband fans worldwide to support album production
• 34,959 upload views of NRG Rising videos on YouTube
• 4,316 fans on NRG Rising Facebook Fan Page
• Performed with NZ's greatest Reggae bands Katchafire, Cornerstone Roots, 1814
• Consistently invited to support/open for 1814 (8 gigs)
• Headlined at Waitangi Day, Hastings, Feb 2010
• Headlined at Kawhia Kai Festival, Feb 2011
• Performed at Waitangi Celebrations Hamilton Lakes, Hamilton, Feb 2011
• NRG Rising Album Release Tour, March – July 2011 includes more than 20 gigs
Founding Principles
NRG Rising has a strong foundation of values that is witnessed daily as the band creates music, practices for their performances, performs on stage, and goes about achieving their ambitious musical goals. The two main themes of NRG Rising’s soul-soothing music, one of self determination including messages of belief, strength and understanding, and the other of fun, good times and love, are supported by the NRG Rising kaupapa (or principles) which can be summarised as follows;
• To bring some fresh female, sassy feels, and messages to the national and international reggae music scene
• To support the empowerment and rangatiratanga (self determination) of all people around the world, one by one
• To support and promote the development of unique NZ and Pacific reggae through whakawhanaungatanga (extended family relationships)
• To connect and share with our indigenous brothers and sisters, their culture and music, and together share it with the world
• To promote and celebrate contemporary music with unique traditional cultural flavours
The Next Chapters Begin...
NRG Rising's focus for the coming year includes;
• continue to deliver high ‘NRG’, fresh, female reggae with uplifting messages
• completion of a successful nationwide debut album tour
• achieving success in the retail and digital markets
• performing internationally in Hawaii and Australia
Contact Details
Benita Tahuri
NRG Rising Band & Marketing Manager
benita@nrgrsing.com
Ph. +64 (0)21 2588 508
Doreen Christie
NRG Rising Business Manager
doreen@resultsnow.co.nz
Ph. +64 (0)21 157 3588
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