Stella to share her country song

TALENTED: Singer and songwriter Stella Maris performing at City Focus last year. PHOTO/FILE

Rotorua singer Stella Maris is set to feature in the next episode of Maori TV's My Country Song.

The talented singer and songwriter is looking forward to sharing her own composition.

"I'll be performing my song Korowai Ahuru which is a Maori waiata I wrote for my late grandmother," she said.

"This song holds a special place in my heart."

Since Maris returned from the World Championships of Performing Arts in Los Angeles with two medals for songs she wrote - a silver medal for self-accompanied original and a bronze for self-accompanied world - she's been focusing on performing and recording and working on writing more music.

A recent graduate from Waiariki Institute of Technology with a Diploma in Contemporary Music she said she was "just getting the creative juices flowing".

"I chose to perform one of my own songs as I enjoy sharing my music, my thoughts, melodies and lyrics that I've created and gigging, writing and working on fresh material.

"I recently won a whole lot of quality recording gear in a competition throughout New Zealand held by Musicworks so I'm elated at the chance to record some material, learn some new skills and have creative control."

My Country Song is returning for a second series on Maori Television and Maris will feature in the November 8 episode.

The popular entertainment show showcases outstanding performances from ordinary New Zealanders as well as award-winning stars of the country music scene. Presenter Saelyn Guyton (Ngai Tahu) delivers in te reo Maori interviewing performers in a celebration of the singer and the song. The level of musicianship is very high with the addition of Rotorua's multi-instrumentalist Richard Anaru.

"I'm excited to perform alongside guitar master Richard Anaru who has mentored me over the years," Maris said.