AJA: Manawa Pao

AJA: Manawa Pao

Kia Mau Festival will be opened by award-winning musician, singer and songwriter, AJA (Ngāti Raukawa, Te Ātiawa ki Whakarongotai, Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ngāti Porou) performing at Circa Theatre in Te Whanganui-a-Tara from 2-3 June 2023.

AJA is a highly respected figure in Māori music. She is known for her immense talents as a singer, songwriter, and performer.

Her songs are written in Te reo Māori and Pākehā.

Among her latest works are: Kāwai, Feel It, Non-handler & 2022 APRA Maioha Award winning single Te Iho

[Te Iho] is a potent waiata about whakapapa and DNA passed down from atua wāhine. APRA

Manawa Pao is a captivating live performance showcasing the talent and creativity of AJA. He whakaputanga hei whakamāramatia i te hunga mataki ki tētahi ao Māori. E whakaarahia ana i te ngākau o te tangata. Hei whai manawa, whakamārama hoki.

A one-of-a-kind Māori Love Revue.

This multimedia show fuses music, dance, art, and visual designs to guide audiences through the show. Manawa Pao empowers people with Māori identity and values. It is a reminder that love is eternal.

– A stirring plea from the heart.

Company: Meetinghouse Records

2-3 June 2023
$35 Preview – Fri 2 June
Circa One
Fri & Sat 8pm

Friend of Circa $32
Student $25
Group 6+ $35
Group 20+ $30
Under 30 $30

Runtime: 2 hours (incl. 15 min interval)

PG; Performance contains Haze, Strobe Lighting and Loud Noises.

Creative Credit:

Artist / Composer / Songwriter: AJA (Ngāti Raukawa, Te Ātiawa ki Whakarongotai, Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ngāti Porou)

Band: Hayden Nickel (violin), Peter Riley (bass), Te Kawa Herangi (guitar), Mara TK (vocals & sitar), Kat Little (vocals), Trey Ropata (guitar), Daniel Hayles (keys), Louisa Williamson (flute,saxophone), Jack Harre (trumpet), Natania Ngawhau (Trombone), Sam Notman (drums), Riki Gooch (sound recordings/compositions) and Tola Newbery (percussion).

Sound Engineer: Thomas Te Taite

Dancers: Manaia Davies & Sienna Newbery