There are so many talented wahine performing at Pao Pao Pao, we’re tempted to nickname it “peow, peow.”   The popular Bro’Town phrase, however, only carries sexy connotations, and we’re referring to the bigger picture.
TONI Huata is a common sight at Pao Pao Pao, having performed regularly since charitable trust Toi Maori started it in 2002.  
“In my experience performing overseas, the world is intrigued with Aotearoa and particularly Maori culture. Pao Pao Pao and Toi Maori have always given artists of all forms, opportunities to share their wealth of talent.”
Tauranga Moana-born Ria Hall has lived in Wellington for the last five years, and is currently putting together her first EP, produced by Riki Gooch of Trinity Roots.
Hall says those living in Aotearoa share many commonalities, but it’s important to celebrate cultural uniqueness, too.
“If we as Maori don’t do this, we run the risk of losing so much we have fought so hard to retain,” she says.  
Hall also performed at Pao Pao Pao last year.
“It’s one of the best gigs I’ve performed at. There’s such an awesome atmosphere, and to be staging it on a marae is magic. It doesn’t get much better than that.”
Bella Kalolo is what Aretha Franklin would have been; were she born part Maori, Samoan and Tongan, in Christchurch. With a voice that’s almost as big as her attitude, Kalolo has been performing original material for less than four years – which might classify her as an ‘up-and-comer’.
“I feel like I’ve been ‘up and coming’ a long time,” she laughs.
Kalolo’s big break may have just come – with the announcement she’ll play Glastonbury Festival in June this year.
Kirsten Te Rito grew up in Wellington. Her Maori father passed away when she was a teenager, leaving her feeling, “starved for knowledge of my own culture”.
“I relish opportunities to connect with other Maori artists… Both traditional and contemporary Maori music is rarely heard on mainstream radio, so events like this give the public a chance to experience something that is not always easy to access, and to enrich and diversify their listening experiences.”
Te Rito will perform with her band Bebe Deluxe; who play hip-hop and soul-infused rhythm and blues.
Winner of eight Waiata Maori Awards last year, Maisey Rika performs on both nights of the two-day event.
Pao Pao Pao also features a good-sized bunch of talented Maori men - Kiwi guitar legend Billy TK Senior performing with his son Mara TK; cheeky East Coaster Tyna Keelan; multi-talented Kapiti coast artist Matiu Te Huki; Parihaka Peace Festival regular David Grace & Injustice; award winning traditional-meets-electronic group Wai and Porirua reggae band Vintage.
All proceeds go to the Christchurch (Otautahi, in te reo Maori), earthquake relief fund.
Pao Pao Pao, Pipitea Marae, 7pm, May 20 & 21.