IT’S SEMI-FINAL TIME ON MĀORIOKE!

5 November 2007

After four weeks of arduous auditions, it is time for the first semi-final of Māori Television’s popular nationwide talent show, MĀORIOKE, this Friday November 9 at 8.30 PM.

Over 500 hopefuls from Northland to Southland have tried out for the fourth series of the competition, putting on their best vocal performances in front of seasoned judges Whirimako Black, Brannigan Kaa and Betty-Anne Monga.

Just 25 have made it through and will take the stage over the next five weeks, giving the judges another chance to evaluate their vocal range, pitch and stage presence and to see if they have that elusive ‘X’ factor.

At the end of the fifth semi-final (Friday December 7 at 8.30 PM), the judges will make the tough decision about which seven singers are through to the grand MĀORIOKE final and in with a chance to take out the title and $10,000 cash prize.

In addition to announcing the seven finalists, presenters Kingi Biddle and Cushla Tangaere will announce the category winners. There is a $1,000 cash prize for Best R’n’B/Hip Hop, Best Pop/Rock, Best Country and Western/Old School, Best Kiwiana (NZ) and Best Waiata Reo Māori performances.

The first group of five semi-finalists performing this Friday November 9 at 8.30 PM are:

MAIHI PINKER, Rotorua: Philosopher, musician and father – that’s what Maihi is and he’s proud of it. Maihi sang a Sam Cooke acappella for the auditions and says he’s staying calm about the competition. “All I can do is my best.” Maihi may be focussed about his singing but he’s really a kid at heart – his hobby is collecting toys.

GERALDINE HOLLAND, Auckland: Geraldine came to the music business a little later than most but she’s wasted no time in making her mark. From releasing her own single ‘Prodigal Son’ in July to making it through to the semi-finals of MĀORIOKE, she’s on a fast track to discovery. There are strong gospel influences running through her musical choices with Cece Winans being her favourite.

KIMIKIMI MANE, Auckland: Kimikimi wants to be a role model for the young and that’s one of the reasons why he entered MĀORIOKE. He says if young people see him enter and make it through, it may give them the self confidence to try out for themselves. Kimikimi started singing in Sunday school as a five-year-old and has carried it on with a long involvement with kapa haka.

KIRI HEADS, Bluff: She’s the southernmost finalist in this season of MĀORIOKE. Kiri is a 30-something mother of two who wants to win the competition to give her children a better life. She’s lived in Bluff most of her life, apart from a little travelling and singing, and she’s got the full support of that small community behind her.

SHAUN TATA, Rotorua: Shaun is a cool customer. He reckons life would pretty much carry on as normal for him if he won MĀORIOKE. He’s busy being a dad to his two boys (four months and four years) and teaching at Rotorua’s sports academy. Shaun started singing in church and with his kapa haka group and has kept going with it quietly.

Mauri Ora Productions – the makers of MĀORIOKE – have held auditions in the major centres, allowing contestants the opportunity to travel in from smaller towns to try and dazzle the seasoned judging panel.

Join the best new singers in the country when the semi-finals of MĀORIOKE get underway onMāori Television on Friday November 9 at 8.30 PM.

Ends

Sandy Hodge
Kaiwhakaputa (Publicist)
Māori Television
DDI +64 9 539 7009
MOB: +64 21 325 826
EML: sandy.hodge@maoritelevision.com