RIQI HARAWIRA LIGHTS UP AOTEAROA

Riqi Harawira is an acoustic roots rock and soul artist reflecting the sound of the world through uniquely Aotearoan eyes.

He’s shared the stage with some of the biggest names in the business…Anastasia, Guns ‘n’ Roses, Pearl Jam, Living Color, Faith No More, just to name but a few.
He has played with a wide range of NZ bands.The Dead flowers, Stellar(Boh Runga)Dam Native(Hip hop)

Now he is flying solo with the hot new remake of Hello Sailor’s iconic single “Gutter Black” featuring original band member and songwriter Dave McArtney  being released May 2012 for NZ music month.

Riqi’s version will feature elements of trance, reggae, rock guitar, and a modern haka; with top expat kiwis are behind the video which will coincide with Music month in May.

It’s a name that ignites debate.
But this particular Harawira is no ‘Hone come lately’.
Born and bred in Auckland , Riqi Harawira comes from a rich musical vintage  – his father counted the great Nat King Cole as a good friend and even performed at the song and dance man’s famed New York nightclub.
It wasn’t long before his father’s influence rubbed off on the precociously talented youngster.

Lead vocals, rhythm & lead guitar, loop artist Riqi has a sound like no other combining his Maori roots and European edge to create a modern Aotearoan sound for the world.

Riqi says…”I approach every song passionately adding my own style,reflecting the experiences of my life to create a vibe that is uniquely Aotearoan.”

RIQI is a singer, songwriter, producer and self confessed music lover.
He was previously the lead guitarist for New Zealand rock band Dead Flowers.
His 2006 project TRUREAL blended live music and vocals with DJing to create a funky house sound.
TRUREAL’s performances in the United States received rave reviews for the innovation in their sound.
:Riqi is a part time Music producer who has worked with hip hop artists in America and locally. Producing house music for international release with top guns Jolyon Petch and Tim Phin.
:Riqi’s late father Rangi was a musician /music teacher whose influence was a huge part of Riqis Musical heritage.
:had a principal role in Auckland drama theatres version of EVITA
:has penned and recorded a song for the APPA Auckland primary schools association and performed it with 500 school children at the Auckland town hall in 2011. 
:appeared on Te karere for the song he produced for Pomaria primary school in 2010
:appeared on Tekarere for his quest to continue a legacy of playing in NZ prisons that his late father started in the 1960s
 RECORD RELEASES & INTERNATIONAL GIGS
Released 2 top 40 albums and 8 video singles with The Dead flowers.
90s Toured Australasia exstensively.
Released 2000 Sweetwaters the single with EMI (PoP)
Released 2004 can you feel it on Tim Phinns Our house compilation cd (House).
Released 2008 its alright with Jolyon Petch (House)
Session 2001guitar for Anastasia.
Support Act for Guns and roses ,Pearl Jam, Living Colour, Soundgarden, The Angels, 3 appearances at Big Day Out

Please contact Tiffany for booking enquires