‘Mindblowing talent’ at Smokefreerockquest

Ngā Rau Mahara, from left, Timana Pokoati, Te Whaiororangihuia Webster and Ripeka Akurangi.Pictures supplied

Lawson Field Theatre was the centre of a musical extravanganza as Tairāwhiti’s young musicians performed in this year’s Smokefreerockquest and Smokefree Tangata Beats regional heats on Friday.

The exhilarating performance by Boys’ High five-piece band Turanga Tane Rebels led by a charismatic vocalist Salem Randall and highly charged display by Girls’ High seven piece R&B band  Ngā Rau Mahara led by a sassy  Te Whaiororangihuia Webster, won them the top spots in the regional heats of  Smokefree Tangata Beats.

Both the bands now have an opportunity to be selected for national finals and  are  also among  the top 12 bands chosen for the regional final at the War Memorial Theatre on June 24.

Smokefreerockquest lower north events manager Jane Egan said she was happy to see the event attracted a packed house.

“I thought the standard overall was pretty high. An interesting fact is that we had more acts in Tairāwhiti than Wellington and Manawatu combined.

“I was really happy to see such a supportive crowd on Friday. Everyone seemed to have a really good time.”

In the solo/duo section, Tolaga Bay soloist  Junior Pelea took the first spot followed by Lytton High School pairing of Ripeka Wawatai and Dewi Sofian.

Commenting on the performances bythe more than 30 bands, judge Rapata Matete said, “I think implementing culture into our waiata is a great way to preserve our heritage, our culture and our reo.

“When you combine those things with music it then becomes the perfect vessel to send our message to the world.”

Second judge  Annalisa Jean Bradley had similar words of appreciation. “I found today to be really mind-blowing, and not just because of the sheer volume of talent in Te Tairāwhiti, but because of what our rangatahi and tamariki have access to through this competition.

“It’s so different from when I did (Smokefreerockquest) and you really notice how the resources can elevate their music.”

Co-founder and SFRQ director Glenn Common said the next stage of the programme would offer new opportunities for development on top of what the entrants have already experienced.

The preparation participants put into the next stage was a significant opportunity for experiential learning and growth, said Mr Common, who has been leading the team at SFRQ since its beginning in 1989.

“As solo-duo acts prepare for the video submission round, and bands gear up for their regional finals, they must practise hard, take advantage of the feedback they received in round one, and really think hard about how they can bring their performance to the next level.

“They also have the encouragement and positive reinforcement from having made it through the first round to bring with them. For many students, these steps can be part of their NCEA assessments.”

At the Tairāwhiti final there will be awards for the top three bands, the Musicianship Award, ZM Best Song, Best Vocal, APRA Lyrics Award.

The top regional bands and solo/duos submit footage for selection as finalists to play off at the national final events. The Smokefreerockquest national final will be held at Auckland’s Q Theatre on September 16, following the Smokefree Tangata Beats national final held at the same venue on September 15.

The 12 bands to play off at the Tairāwhiti regional final are:

Turanga Tane Rebels - Gisborne Boys’ High School

Nga Rau Mahara - Gisborne Girls’ High School

Rising Revolution - Tolaga Bay Area School

The Generators - Ilminster Intermediate,Wainui Beach School, Gisborne Intermediate, Gisborne Boys’ High School

NSRB - Gisborne Boys’ High School

Pray 4 Summer - Gisborne Boys’ High School & Campion College

Ant - Ilminster Intermediate, Lytton High School, Gisborne Intermediate

Kisum - Gisborne Girls’ High School

Fire Hydrant Water Hose - Gisborne Boys’ High School

Dad’s Garage - Gisborne Girls’ High School

CLCS - Gisborne Boys’ High School

ELEVENTH HOUR - Gisborne Girls’ High School