Jambalaya artists
AHoriBuzz
Sure to have everyone at Jambalaya "Buzzing" AHoriBuzz have become renowned for their captivating live
performances, and after some groove ridden and crowd arousing sets at New
Zealand’s finest summer festivals the band have created an immediate following.
AHoriBuzz is the brainchild of Aaron Tokona (Cairo Knife Fight / Weta) who steers the outfit on vocals, MPC and guitar.
A jam band with a revolving collective of talented guest musicians, you never quite know how things are going to roll when AHoriBuzz plays.
The current core band includes Aaron Tokona, Riki Gooch (TrinityRoots / Eru Dangerspiel) on drums, soul sister LA Mitchell (Fly My Pretties, Dukes, Sola Rosa) on vocals and keys and Aaron's cousin Hori on bass.
Their first single Glitter In The Gutter was an underground favourite in 2011 and the follow up single Turnaround is a bone shaking funk-fuelled tune, with an infectious hook.
An album recording is in the pipeline for 2012.
- Check out their Turnaround music video on YouTube
SoulSambaCircus
This high energy collective of musicians come from a range of musical backgrounds and styles (samba percussion, jazz, capoeira, classical and the blues) all of which they have thrown into a melting pot to create one hot soul samba marsala. Their repertoire is a fusion of eclectic soul, funk, reggae, samba, forro and much more.
On stage, they’re an unusual array of instruments (and people). From accordions, brass, harmonicas, vocals, congas and surdos - to tambourines, mandolins, guitars, keyboards, cello and the cowbell.
"Blasting off the jam stage and into the hearts of the Jambalaya crowd, Soul Samba Circus managed to mix a sweet horn section with driving samba rhythms bringing exactly the carnival vibe everyone had been waiting for" Heidi, Jambalaya Festival Director 2011.
"Samba Circus bought an energetic, truly unique act to our percussion stage this year. The eclectic mix of musicians and your fusion of music styles had the audience engaged and on their feet. A fantastic set, you were a wonderful group to work with and I would certainly recommend Soul Samba Circus for future events" Helena Dunn, Auckland International Cultural Festival 2011.
LatinAotearoa
Hailing from Venezuela by way of Motown, Jennifer Zea is one of the freshest vocal talents in Bossa and Latino soul. She’s earned respect in her field by travelling
the globe and notching up over 100 live performances, alongside world renowned artists of the Jazz and World Music scenes. DJ Bobby Brazuka is the unofficial Brazilian ambassador of music and culture in Aotearoa, with a distinguished palate for Samba, Soul, funk and Latin hip hop amongst a host of other styles.
Open Souls trumpet player and talented solo producer Isaac Aesili, who descends from the small South American country of Guyana, provides a local grounding and familiar rhythm through his vast experience as an in-demand New Zealand musician. He’s toured with Trinity Roots, Shapeshifter and Recloose, contributing an authenticity to this outfit most others could only dream of.
Together they create a unique and truly legitimate Latin act with a local flavour, both bending and blending the traditional music of their homelands with the modern sounds of here and now. Jennifer’s sultry singing layers Bobby’s beat selections beautifully, with Isaac providing the icing with live accompanying percussion. Spanish renditions of local hits by House of Shem and Ladi 6 sure to prove popular amongst the punters. Likewise, Latin versions of classic soulful hip hop such as Erykah Badu and the Pharcyde will strike a chord with kiwi listeners.
With vast experience performing in front of local and international audiences, LatinAotearoa are ready to take the step to the next level in the approaching summer. However with the musical pedigree, multi-cultural exposure, impressive artist interaction and sheer talent that these artists possess, this trio is sure to shuffle feet and swing hips in whichever slice of our lucky little heaven they end up.
AceTones
AceTones are purveyors of fine Jamaican music styles, from 60’s ska and rock steady to reggae and dub. Paying tribute to the greats, this four-piece instrumental band draws inspiration from founders of the styles such as Skatalites, The Upsetters, Jackie Mittoo, Sly and Robbie and more. AceTones offer a superlative selection of time-honoured classics, rare grooves and originals to satisfy connoisseurs and new listeners alike.
Members of AceTones have a long standing love affair with Jamaican music and its offshoots. Having cut their teeth in the NZ ska and reggae scene performing in bands such as Skatilator, The Managers, Roofdog, Skaface Claw and Earthtone Rockers, the band members combine a wealth of experience with a fresh and unique approach to the music. Creating, rehearsing and honing their craft in the idyllic surrounds of Auckland’s West Coast, AceTones infuse the irresistible grooves of Jamaica with a distinctive local flavour
Zoh Zoh
Zoh Zoh, a 7 piece band lead by Yaw Boateng produces a unique, upbeat, and invigorating an Afro-Reggae sound.
The band is a cultural rainbow from varying ethnic backgrounds that bring together West African percussion instruments, with horns, guitars and keyboard.
The combination introduces Afro Beat Jazz, Old School Reggae and African Funk High life, played together for the first time.The Afro Beat Jazz is largely influenced by the fathers of Afro Beat and Highlife in West Africa, (Fela Kuti from Nigeria and E.T. Mensah from Ghana. Zoh Zoh’s old school reggae feel draws it’s inspiration mainly from Jamaican Artists Peter Tosh, Culture (Joseph Hill) and Burninsphere.
The result: a blended, fresh, unique and uplifting style which has wide audience appeal.
Wayne Anderson – Singer of Songs!
With fans all over the world New Zealand has a special star in Wayne Anderson. As seen starring in two TV Series "The Glory Days" and "Singer of Songs" Wayne won fans around New Zealand and as far afield as Japan. He brings back the golden era of lounge and show performers, the likes of Tom Jones, Elvis Presley, Tony Christie, John Rowles and so many more.
His committed performances of timeless Evergreen tunes brings the best out in every audience, smiles and fun for all ages, very likely to be singing along at the top of their lungs "Ten Guitars", "Delilah" and so much more. A unique New Zealand character and performer.
The Spiritz
The Spiritz of hail from Hamilton and are an 8 piece band that is on a mission to become a top Aotearoa Reggae band.
The Spiritz is led by Mudz Paekau and made up of pure talented musicians around him with Goff Patea on Keys, Jordy Abbot on the Drums, Fitz Fitzgerald on Bass, Shayno Thom as Lead Guitarist, Joss Wilkinson, Lady Diva Gopalan, Winz Lambert on Sax and Poa Smith on the Rythm Guitar. This talented group has a funk, reggae, R&B, jazz style, sprinkled with a soul blues background which when mixed with sweet, harmonic vocals, makes a sound you will never forget, so please prepare your self to be taken by The Spiritz.
Mal Webb
Around the world and into your brain, vocal adventurer, multi-instrumentalist and looping beat-boxing songwriter Mal Webb sings his songs about all manner of stuff, using all sorts of vocal techniques, guitar, mbira, slide trumpet, trombone, chromatic harmonica and a loop recording pedal called Derek.
It's a lip to lung journey through the physics, physiology and phrivolity of all the sounds a face can make. Sideways yodelling, beatbox, harmonics, throat singing, uvular fluttering, advanced clapping. He's like Bobby McFerrin, Aphex Twin and Cole Porter playing scrabble. Ebulliently eclectic. Nefariously varied. Family fun free from facile frippery. "You're a freak!"-Ani DiFranco.
A founding member of the Oxo Cubans, Sock and Totally Gourdgeous, Mal did all the music for the Lano and Woodley TV show and Wogs Out of Work, played mbira and sang "Eagle Rock" with Ross Wilson on John Safran's Music Jamboree on SBS and has done a few spots on Spicks and Specks (ABCTV).
Mates
Is a duo that consists of a guitarist and a vocalist who share thirty years’ experience in the music industry. Both started separately at a young age to evolve into being able to provide entertainment with a professional attitude.
Not only do MATES entertain people with music but also pride themselves in interacting with a crowd to involve them and to make them feel like we're all mates.
Ukuladies
The Grey Lynn Ukuladies formed 2007. A group of friends who came together just for fun to play ukulele! They play ukuleles, violin, mandolin and percussions. Their music is a happy mix of Indie, Pop, Rock and Country.
Members of the group have performed at a variety of events involving ukuleles. - Play it Strange fundraiser; NZ Ukulele Festival; The Opening Ceremony at the Rugby World Cup 2011 and community events. They are Alison, Lucia, Rose and Sandra.
Sarah and Edward
Sarah and Edward are acrobatics and aerials partners, both working for the Dust Palace in Auckland. With Sarah’s formal training in circus and Edward’s background in acting and gymnastics, together they create powerful and skilful adagio and silks performances. Recently they have performed at Short and Sweet Dance festival and Splore Festival. Sarah also works in hula hoop, aerial ring and fire, and Edward in dance.
- Plain of Lonely Souls Promo (YouTube)
- Double silks (YouTube)
Tamara Star
Tamara Star is an entrepreneur who is passionate about Acting and Performing Arts, Music, Lyric writing, Story Writing, Story Telling, Make Up Artistry/ Hair, Costume Design and Making, Modelling, Music Video and Film Making.
Her stage performances are created to encourage children and family members into the creative world of Tamara Star where characters from her story "Dreamcatcher" are brought to life through storytelling and original songs written by Tamara Star herself.
Alex Wilson
Alex Wilson has been singing/song writing/doing what she does for 7 years. Her style has developed a lot over the years but she's finally settled into the quirky/blues/folk sound that she loves. Alex has played for a huge variety of gigs including Jazz festivals, New Zealand Events Organisers corporate dinners, the Chiefs sponsor matches, weddings in the Waitomo caves, comedy showcases, art festivals, balls, cafes and the list goes on.
Performing is her passion and she tries to seize every opportunity she can to showcase it. This has resulted in winning various awards including Best Female Musician at the 2008 Rockquest Competition and Best Song at the Franklin Music Awards. Having just completed a degree in English and Public Relations, Alex hopes to be able to carry on playing music alongside a career in the music industry.
Ray Bishop
Music has always been his first love and over the years it has really allowed him to understand how important it is use this medium to sing stories of pain, joy, tears, family and the best story of all love.
To him, there's nothing better than a group of muso's sitting in the pocket on a groove and then hearing a vocalist with harmonies tear it to shreds, damn, that's living the dream.
6TB
6TB formed in 2010 to showcase their passion for reggae music. There are 6 members in the band who all bring with them their own musical talents. Like most bands they started up in a garage in Papamoa and after been in a covers band for approximately a year 6TB wanted to take a new direction to move away from cover songs, to focus on their our own original music.The band’s songs are driven by their passion to express their thoughts and emotions through lyrics and music which has an up tempo driven drum beat, reggae baselines and a melodic rhythm section along with R&B vocals. 6TB have supported many community events, performed alongside numerous other musicians locally and throughout the country and won ”Battle of The Bands” 2011 in Mt Maunganui. These performances have been 6TB’s stepping stones to where they are today. The band has a positive direction with a dedicated management team, working closely with the band to move them forward to support them to reach their dreams and aspirations.
DJ Deerift
Hip hop and RnB dj
Cuban Accent
Cuban Accent Band has been created for the purpose of representing Cuban music of all styles such as mambo, cha cha cha, rumba, Guaguanco, son, Charanga, Salsa; as well as other Latin American music.
We aim to play music that defends our roots and takes our message to everyone interested in hearing new rhythms. Cuban Accent Band includes the live sounds of piano, tres guitar, bass, congas, drums and trumpet.
Cuban Accent was formed in 2011. Although this is a relatively new band it is already very popular amongst the Latin communities across the country and those kiwis who enjoy salsa dancing.
Cuban Accent’s objective is to bring to New Zealand live music from difference parts of Latin America with a Cuban flavour. As the name of the band portrays...Cuban Accent.
The band’s Director and bass player, Ernesto Zuniga, decided to create this project for the kiwi people after he arrived in New Zealand from his home town, Trinidad, Cuba. He made a team with the Mexican guitar player, Fidel Pimentel, who has been living in New Zealand for 4 years and playing around New Zealand as a soloist of Latin and Mexican guitar. Not long after the Spanish guitar player, and now pianist, Jorge Perez from Santiago, Chile was invited to be part of this project, to build the base of melodies, Liz Broom who has a background of classical music and mariachi music plays violin and second piano. There are many other special guests who also are invited to play with Cuban Accent.
Cuban Accent you will not only experience the authentic sounds of Latin music with a Cuban flavour, you will also hear original arrangements and songs that are already well known by Cuban Accent followers
AKSamba
AKSamba is an innovative percussion band that fuses hot Brazilian samba rhythms with other influences to create an extraordinary musical experience. The band is based in Auckland and performs with up to 45 members.
They regularly perform at a variety of events including local and national festivals (Grey LynnPark Festival, Splore, SoundSplash, Prana, Cuba St Carnival), corporate events, sporting events (20/20 cricket, Auckland Blues), community events, bars and nightclubs.
AKSamba performed at the first Jambalaya Festival in 2003 and every one since then.
Wellington Batucada
Wellington Batucada is a community-based percussion group which brings the flamboyant world of samba from Brazil to Wellington. Batucada is a Brazilian word used to describe the syncopated, African-influenced samba music played by a large percussion group (bateria) as part of a street parade or carnival.
Wellington Batucada is New Zealand's longest running samba group (12 years old!) and perform around Wellington, the lower North Island and the South Island. Performances to date include: WOMAD, Cuba St Carnival, Parihaka Peace Festival, Rugby Sevens, Te Papa, World of Wearable Arts, Two Towers Premier, and, or course, Jambalaya (every festival since the start!)
Bobby Brazuka
Known as the
Ambassador for Brazilian Music in New Zealand Bobby
Brazuka has been sharing his culture with Aotearoa through music, art
and coffee for the last eight years. Mixing Brazilian Funk, Samba and
Bossa with Soul, Jazz and Hip Hop, Brazuka's stlyes have been assets
to the New Zealand scene. Hitting the airwaves both at George
Fm (Sundays 6-8) and Base Fm (Fridays 10-12)
Bobby keeps working hard in what he calls a process of education of
Brazilan Music and Culture here in NZ.
Nick D
Nicholas Dwyer has been gracing your screens as part of the team at C4 TV since day one way back in 2003!!! With musical television
experience dating back almost a decade (Max TV, Juice and M2), a slot on bFM for over 12 years and a great reputation as a record spinner
Nick D was the obvious choice to host their electronic music show.
Nick D's DJ sets have been entertaining dancefloor's for years with almost every venue and festival in New Zealand being graced with his
presence and big ol' crate of tunes ranging from liquid drum & bass,
bottom heavy break badness, disco funk and alternate gems slotted throughout.
Maya & Vanya
Maya and Vanya are a sister duo from Croatia, who have spent half of their life based in New Zealand, where they have been mainly involved with music and the art of spinning records, amongst other things; and have done their thing at various banquets and shindigs.
The sister duo grew up listening to a wide array of music blasting from their family record player… from Gypsy Kings and Ladysmith Black Mambazo to The Beatles, Talking Heads and Rolling Stones. Gloria Gaynor to Larry Levan as well as funk and hip hop icons DJ Kool Herc, Grandmaster Flash and Bambaataa.
Their eclectic, fun sets and vast knowledge in music encompassing cross-cultural style, as well as great stage presence have made them become some of the most in-demand young DJs.
Having a slightly different music taste from one another, put together they create a unique blend of music to get the dancefloor pumping. With their styles ranging from upfront House, Tech-house, Disco to Nu Funk to the sub genres they are familiar for such as Tropical / Tribal House, UK Funky, Bassline and Baltimore.
Ron Cribb
Born and raised from Te Aumaranui, of Maori and European descent moved up to Auckland, father of three and currently resides in Manurewa, Auckland. Loves music and is always passionate in showcasing his love of music to his family, peers and broader audiences.
2012 - Performer at this year's Pasifika Festival in Auckland (Western springs) on Aotearoa stage. 2011 - Performer at Waitakere Christmas in the Park Festival - Glen Eden's Parrs Park. Also for Community events 'Christmas in the Hall' via Ranui PIPC. Ranui West Auckland. 2010 - Performer at The Grey Lynn Festival - Grey Lynn Park, Auckland. 2010 - Contestant for Maori Tv's - Homai Te pakipaki 2009 TV2's Episode 13 - The Singing Bee
Peta Turua
Residing in Mt Eden, Auckland - of Tongan and Dutch descent, has performed for wellknown venues: like Skycity Casino, Grand Central (Ponsonby), festivals over the years as a soloist/lead vocalist for covers band: Karamol, been in the music industry for a while now has also featured on Nesian Mystics band member's Feleti Strickson-Pua's self debut mixtape - which is launching this year 2012...She's considered the next Billie Holliday and Angie Stone (USA) as her voice is as soultry and soulful as her genre she sings for...a rare talent and happy she's from Aotearoa, New Zealand.
2012 - Performer for this year's Pasifika Festival (International Stage) 2011 - Performed for several music showcases in and around Auckland over the past few months. 2010 - A former performer for the International Jazz Festival and local community Jazz events. 2000 to 2008 Has worked in Team management for a corporate Airline firm.
Nelza & Maia
Nelza aka Danelle Brown is from Orakei, Auckland (mother of 1) who is of Samoan/Maori descent and Maia Peehikuru (Tangata whenua) is originally from Hokianga, they both met via their studies back in 2008 via MAINZ - Music and Audio Institute of New Zealand (Auckland) and both have a background in music/audio engineering with both in foundation studies and a diploma.
These ladies are definitely a name too look out for - considered as the next 'Salt & Pepa' of Aotearoa - very friendling and welcoming but when it comes to their music they are ready and fearless when it comes to their passion for music and performing it.
2012 - Performers at THIS year's Pasifika Festival on the Evolution stage. 2011 - performed for wellknown music showcases in and around Auckland, also for the HIP HOP Summit at Telstra Clear Pacific events centre, Manurewa. 2010 - They featured on TV'2's IAM TV as featured artists.. 2009 - Individual projects to currently via through OMAC - Otara Music Arts Centre.
MeloDownz (Bronson Price)
Born and raised out West Auckland (New Lynn) A great freestyler and loves expressing his love for West Auckland and his love of food as well...Cool calm and collective this West Auckland native will definitely be the name on people's lips in the next upcoming months and proud to have him out West Auckland as well.
2012 - Performed at THIS year's Pasifika Festival event on the Evolution stage. 2011 - performed at Waitakere Christmas in the Park Festival - Glen Eden's Parrs Park. 2011- performed at the Grey Lynn festival - Grey lynn Park, Auckland 2010 - Has performed for wellknown Auckland venues - Khuja lounge, Safari Lounge, The Cribb, club Duo, Club 420/Rising sun. Hopes to Launch his official mixtape in 2012 - his genre is 'feel good' kick back hip hop with a touch of melow flows to ease the mind.