Whirimako Black

Whirimako Black
Origin New Zealand
Genres World music, jazz, soul
Years active 2000–present

Whirimako Black (born c. 1961) is a New Zealand Māori recording artist [1]

Whirimako sings mostly in Te Reo Māori,[1] uses traditional Māori musical forms and collaborates with traditional Taonga pūoro instruments.

Her musical achievements include composing and singing the titles for the acclaimed Television New Zealand series, 'The New Zealand Wars', as well as composing with Hori Tait the initial title music for the Māori news programme, Te Karere. In 1991, she formed the female Māori band Tuahine Whakairo but left in 1993, to start a solo career.

Born in Whakatane,[1] Whirimako is of Ngāti Tuhoe, Ngāti Tuwharetoa, Ngāti Ranginui, Kahungunu, Te Whakatohea, Te Whanau-a-Apanui, Te Arawa, and Ngāti Awa descent.

Whirimako Black bears a striking traditional Maori female tattoo, or Ta Moko on her face, a cultural symbol of pride and beauty.

She was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2006 New Year Honours.[2]

Discography

Date Title Label Charted Certification Catalog Number
Albums
2000 Hinepukohurangi: Shrouded in the Mist Muscle Music - -
2003 Hohou Te Rongo: Cultivate Peace Mai Music - -
2004 Tangihaku Mai Music - -
2005 Kura Huna Mai Music - -
2006 Soul Sessions Mai Music - -
2007 Whirimako Black Sings Mai Music - -

References

  1. ^ a b c Kara, Scott (17 September 2006). "Soul daughter of Tuhoe". New Zealand. http://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/news/article.cfm?c_id=6&objectid=10401161. Retrieved 2009-07-01. 
  2. ^ "The New Year Honours 2006". Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. http://www.dpmc.govt.nz/honours/lists/list.asp?id=31. Retrieved 2009-07-01.