Paua set for Wairarapa debut

Brisbane-based reggae fusion group Paua will play King Street Live in Masterton on Sunday, January 24. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Reggae fusion seven-piece Paua are to stage their Wairarapa debut at King Street Live in Masterton.

The Brisbane-based Waiata Maori Music Award nominees will play the Masterton venue on Sunday, January 24, as part of a 16-date North Island tour in support of their sophomore album, Sometimes.

The collective has toured Australia and New Zealand, and released their eponymous debut album in 2011. The group has also released seven singles, including the track Coming Home which reached number seven on the 2012 New Zealand iTunes Reggae Chart.

Lead vocalist and group songsmith Jay said the members of Paua were seeking to deliver their sound and spirit as widely as possible on both sides of the Tasman.

"We're out to create and share music through a blend of spirit and drive that shines of uniqueness, quality professional musicianship, and lyrics that have both meaning and inspiration," he said.

Paua were nominated in 2012 in three categories of the Waiata Maori Music Awards including Best Song by a Maori Artist, Best Maori Songwriter and Best Urban Roots Album for their debut release.

The collective have also since shared stages at festivals including the One Love Festival and East Coast Vibes alongside Kiwi and international reggae heavyweights Julian Marley, The Green, Katchafire, Herbs and 1814.

Tickets for the Paua show at King Street Live cost $20 apiece and are available online through kingstreetlive.co.nz or at eventfinda.co.nz.