Search for best young entertainer in Maori performing arts

1.00pm

Move over NZ Idol. National performing arts quest Ngahau will be searching for the best young entertainer in the Maori performing arts next month.

"It's going to be huge," musical director Howard Morrison jnr said.

The first national talent quest of its kind, Ngahau will screen in 13 one-hour primetime episodes on Maori Television later this year.

Fifteen young people, between 13 and 19 years old, will compete across five performance disciplines.

These are singing, dance, storytelling, moteatea (traditional song), rakau (carving) for males and poi for females.

Producer Chris Winitana's multi-media production house in Turangi, Te Whare Ahorangi, will make the show.

A panel of two permanent judges and a weekly guest judge will make the big decisions as the quest builds up to the semi-finals and grand final.

Mr Morrison laughed off comparisons with television series NZ Idol.

"These kids have to do more than just sing."

All performances will be in the Maori language.

Mr Winitana, and co-creator, director and production manager Tina Maree Kaipara, are looking to find a performer with popular appeal and a Maori performance approach.

Mr Winitana wants to see Maori performers use the same approach as singer Ricky Martin.

"A huge part of his appeal is the Latino culture at the heart of his music," he said.

"Don't try to ape or mimic.

"Don't be a second class black American -- be a first class Maori."

He said Maori performance needed to be recognised and was a huge drawcard for visitors to New Zealand.

"There's only two reasons people come here -- for the green or for the brown."

Nationwide auditions for Ngahau begin in Whangarei on June 7 and end in Christchurch on June 25.

Training and filming the specialist crew will take place in July, the show will be shot in August and editing will take place throughout September, October and November.

The first episode will screen in mid-September, with the grand final screening around the end of December.

The final will probably be held in Taupo, although this has yet to be confirmed.

- DAILY POST (ROTORUA)

Herald Feature: Maori broadcasting

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