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Whirimako, of Ngai Tuhoe, Ngati Tuwharetoa, Ngati Ranginui, Kahungunu, Te Whakatohea, Te Whanau-a-Apanui, Te Arawa, and Ngati Awa descent, has performed throughout the country over the past decade, studied towards a Certificate of Musicianship Theory from the Sydney School of Music in Australia and taught music composition at numerous workshops. Her musical achievements include composing and singing the titles for the acclaimed TVNZ series, 'The New Zealand Wars', as well as composing with Hori Tait the initial title music for the Maori news programme, Te Karere. In 1991, she formed the female Maori band Tuahine Whakairo but left in 1993, to start a solo career. "Throughout the last five years I have enjoyed composing music that has relevance for today, plus reviving and modernising traditional waiata (songs) which stems from my early involvement with the cultural arts of the Tuhoe tribe of Aotearoa. I aspire to see the fruition of my waiata being accessed on the international market, bringing a heightened awareness to the status of Maori, and the Maori language worldwide, to fulfill the dreams of my ancestors."
Her debut album, ‘Hinepukohurangi: Shrouded in the Mist’, despite being independently released, won BEST MAORI LANGUAGE ALBUM at the 2001 NZ MUSIC AWARDS and is now approaching gold sales status.
“Hinepukohurangi is a mesmerising blend of natural tones and subtle moods. Whirimako is originally from the region in New Zealand where the people are referred to as Children of the Mist. This description perhaps summarizes the nature of Whirimako's music and voice. A required addition to any serious world music record collection!”
A second album, ‘Hohou Te Rongo: Cultivate Peace’, which Whirimako recorded and released herself in 2003, has sold well over 5000 units. Whirimako says the inspiration for this album came from her daughter, Mihi Ki Te Kapua. “My whanau (family) are my puna - my source,” she explains. “Each whanau member has a quality and values that fits in with me. In each area, they come through and tautoko (support) me. We all love music and I value all their opinions.”
The new album, TE KURA HUNA is an extensive and ambitious work, aimed at an international market. From it’s beautifully executed packaging, simply decorated with the prescious huia feather so favoured by early Maori, to the impeccable recording quality and impressive musical arrangements, this is an album made to be treasured.
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