"Honey sweet harmonies and loud strong voices...
smashing stereotypes and
reinventing tradition"
Sydney Morning Herald
Manuhiri
from the Maori language means visitors. Australia based this trio of
Indigenous women perform a fusion of original contemporary and traditional
music, blending rich vocal harmonies with pacific acoustic and rhythmic
soundscapes.
They have performed at major festivals in Australia and the UK including WOMAD UK, Sidmouth Festival, Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Woodford Folk Festival (Australia) and Byron Bay Blues and Roots Festival and major venues including Sydney Opera House, Melbourne Concert Hall and the Sydney State Theatre.
Over the last 4 years Manuhiri have appealed to audiences both young and old. They have toured in Australia, the United Kingdom and New Caledonia. Performing a fusion of original contemporary and traditional Pasifik music, their rich voices blend in breath-taking harmonies creating a soul folk sensation.
In 2002 Manuhiri were invited to Manchester's "Raising the Spirits" - a festival associated with the Commonwealth Games. Most recently they toured the UK and Australia along with Lorraine Jordan and Gill Hunter for the Planet Woman 2003 tour.
Manuhiri
have shared stages with Tiddas, Ruby Hunter, Leah Purcell, Bluehouse and The Stiff Gins.They have recorded 2 exceptional CDs.
MANUHIRI WORKSHOPS
&
Maori and Samoan Songs and Dances
The Sasa is a traditional Body Percussion Dance, from Western Samoa, used to awaken the Spirit. Villagers would compete in dance festivals creating innovative and dynamic actions to see who could bring ‘alive’ the spirit the quickest.
This workshop will entail guiding people
step by step through the hand and body actions and dancing them to the
sounds of the island drums.
Maori and Samoan songs have a distinctive sound. Workshop participants will learn a number of songs both in Maori and Samoan languages - a great workshop for lovers of pacific music and choirs interested in expanding their repertoires.
Maori dance is an invigorating and skilful form of physical and creative expression. Participants will learn some fun dances including working with short and long sticks.
The poi – a soft ball on a woven piece of string – was traditionally used to help warrior’s dexterity and co-ordination. Participants will learn how to make a poi from scratch and also some dance movements