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National | Asia

Modern Māori Quartet to take Aotearoa music to Asia

The Modern Māori Quartet will head over to Singapore, Malaysia and Uzbekistan in August on a concert tour to showcase Aotearoa music.

The quartet, who offer up a fresh take on the classic Māori showbands, have been invited to perform at the 10th Sharq Taronalari World Music Festival in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

Founding member, Maaka Pohatu says “We reckon we might be the first Māori showband to perform in central Asia,”

“We had no idea where Uzbekistan was and we’re pretty excited to be going. It’s not only a wonderful opportunity to showcase our uniquely charming and witty brand of Māori entertainment to new and diverse foreign audiences but it will serve as an amazing cultural exchange and hopefully lead to other opportunities to tour throughout Asia and even beyond.”

The tour will also include performances at PJ Live Arts in Malaysia and Sing Jazz Club in Singapore.

At present, the quartet is busy preparing for their trip of a lifetime, however, one band member won't be going due to other commitments. Francis Kora will be replaced by actor and singer, Jamie McCaskill.

The Modern Māori Quartet will put on shows in New Zealand before they head off.  From the 18-20 of June, they will perform at the Hannah Playhouse in Wellington, as part of the Te Ahi Kaa Festival for Matariki.