Whirimako Black

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Whirimako Black
OriginNew Zealand
GenresWorld music, jazz, soul
Years active2000–present

Whirimako Black MNZM (born c. 1961) is a New Zealand Māori recording artist and actress.[1]

Black sings mostly in the Māori language,[1] uses traditional Māori musical forms and collaborates with traditional taonga pūoro instruments. Her musical achievements include composing and singing the titles for the acclaimed Television New Zealand series, The New Zealand Wars, as well as composing with Hori Tait the initial title music for the Māori news programme, Te Karere. In 1991, she formed the female Māori band Tuahine Whakairo but left in 1993, to start a solo career.

Born in Whakatane,[1] Black is of Ngāti Tuhoe, Ngāti Tuwharetoa, Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāti Kahungunu, Te Whakatohea, Te Whanau-a-Apanui, Te Arawa, and Ngāti Awa descent.

Black bears a traditional Maori tattoo, or moko, on her face.

In the 2006 New Year Honours, Black was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to Māori music.[2]

Black made her acting debut in the 2013 film White Lies. She was nominated for the Asia Pacific Screen Award for Best Performance by an Actress.[3]

Discography[edit]

Year Album Label
2000 Hinepukohurangi: Shrouded in the Mist Muscle Music
2003 Hohou Te Rongo: Cultivate Peace Mai Music
2004 Tangihaku Mai Music
2005 Kura Huna Mai Music
2006 Soul Sessions Mai Music
2007 Whirimako Black Sings Mai Music

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c Kara, Scott (17 September 2006). "Soul daughter of Tuhoe". New Zealand. Retrieved 1 July 2009.
  2. ^ "New Year honours list 2006". Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. 31 December 2005. Retrieved 9 June 2019.
  3. ^ "Nominees & Winners Archive: Whirimako Black". Asia Pacific Screen Awards. Retrieved 20 December 2013.