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M I H I R A N G I has been on a global whirlwind which has seen her astonishing one woman show capture and mesmerize audiences in Canada, USA, Australia and Aotearoa. She is a favourite at festival’s across the world and has had the privilege of performing with the likes of Michael Franti and Spearhead, Lee Scratch Perry, Blue King Brown, The Resin Dogs, Rhombus and Cornerstone Roots.
A solo artist taking music to a new level with her performance style, Mihirangi creates her own band sound live in front of her audience using a loop pedal, the key to her sound is the layering of her own vocals. From the foundation of phat solid bass lines to intricately layered harmonies, rhythmic ‘ska’ chops, sensuous jazzy riffs and beat-boxing – it’s all done with her voice. Also a multi-instrumentalist Mihirangi plays percussion, guitar and traditional Maori instruments.
Renowned for her distinctive vocal style with an extraordinary range of power, expression, vitality and intensity, Mihirangi possesses both feminine tenderness and grrrrl power. An activist and a dream weaver with a confidence and credibility in her natural expression of stagecraft she is a performer who imaginatively reflects the moment.
Mihirangi was raised in a touring musical family with a history that exposes a passionate affection for her Maori ancestry. With her unique sound, the parallel of the ancient and modern is portrayed in the distinctiveness of her writing and the spirit in which it is delivered is with the composure of a woman fulfilling her destiny.
Involved in the global political scene Mihirangi performed in LA at the 30th Anniversary Benefit Concert for the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society to an audience of Globally active artists including The Dixie Chicks, Flea and Anthony Kiedis of the Chilli Peppers, Pierce Brosnan and Martin Sheen. Mihirangi has recently returned from going down to the Antarctic aboard the Sea Shepherd ship The Steve Irwin in its pursuit of the Japanese Whaling fleet to shutdown illegal Whaling.
Playing out her concerns for indigenous, environmental and spiritual issues and endearing herself to audiences around the world, her journey and insight offers a refreshing perspective of contemporary culture. Although reverent in her traditional deliverance, when her groove kicks in, Mihirangi is all liberation and raw power. Her utterly unique musical vision, and the cross-cultural harmony that she herself represents, will be heard.
RECORDING MOEMOEA REKA photos by Rusty Stewart
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