I love everything about this sassy, bad ass mana wahine. She has charisma, mad style and it's so easy to see how she's captivated audiences in Aotearoa and abroad with her flows for days. If you don't know Jess B - you better ask somebody!

On this episode of Say Something, I have the absolute pleasure of chatting with this trailblazing female MC on her journey thus far, leaving professional sport and switching to this music ting, her amazing crew and being a black woman in the context of Aotearoa and what that means. She's only 3 years into her career and I'm so excited to watch her star rise. It's only the beginning.

Lessssgo!

I love everything about this sassy, bad ass mana wahine. She has charisma, mad style and it's so easy to see how she's captivated audiences in Aotearoa and abroad with her flows for days. If you don't know Jess B - you better ask somebody!

On this episode of Say Something, I have the absolute pleasure of chatting with this trailblazing female MC on her journey thus far, leaving professional sport and switching to this music ting, her amazing crew and being a black woman in the context of Aotearoa and what that means. She's only 3 years into her career and I'm so excited to watch her star rise. It's only the beginning.

Lessssgo!

A close collaborator and dear friend, he produced and co-wrote on my recent album, Manawa Wera, and continues to wear many hats including musical director, actor, mentor oh and did I mention he's a BEAST of a singer? Ko wai atu - ko Laughton Kora.
Born and bred in Whakatāne, you'll recognise his incredible set of pipes from the legendary KORA - undoubtedly one of the most prolific bands to ever emerge out of Aotearoa. The ultimate tutu, this consummate heavy metal-er chats to me candidly about it all - his upbringing, creativity, making music, leaving Kora and where to next.

P.S we end slightly differently on this episode, it craaaacked me up so I left it in.

A close collaborator and dear friend, he produced and co-wrote on my recent album, Manawa Wera, and continues to wear many hats including musical director, actor, mentor oh and did I mention he's a BEAST of a singer? Ko wai atu - ko Laughton Kora.
Born and bred in Whakatāne, you'll recognise his incredible set of pipes from the legendary KORA - undoubtedly one of the most prolific bands to ever emerge out of Aotearoa. The ultimate tutu, this consummate heavy metal-er chats to me candidly about it all - his upbringing, creativity, making music, leaving Kora and where to next.

P.S we end slightly differently on this episode, it craaaacked me up so I left it in.

Rob Ruha is an artist like no other. Always presenting powerful and potent messaging for our nations consumption, Rob is an advocate for indigenous rights, retention of language and culture. Composer, performer, repository of cultural knowledge, painter, weaver, kapa haka expert, te reo Māori exponent, arts laureate and multi award winner - woo! This genre defying relation of mine sees nothing as an obstacle. Calling in from his home in Te Kaha we discuss these things and more and enjoy a cackle or 10 along the way. He is also the godfather of my son, Te Rongotoa. 

Tēnei te tira hou te haere ake nei!

Rob Ruha is an artist like no other. Always presenting powerful and potent messaging for our nations consumption, Rob is an advocate for indigenous rights, retention of language and culture. Composer, performer, repository of cultural knowledge, painter, weaver, kapa haka expert, te reo Māori exponent, arts laureate and multi award winner - woo! This genre defying relation of mine sees nothing as an obstacle. Calling in from his home in Te Kaha we discuss these things and more and enjoy a cackle or 10 along the way. He is also the godfather of my son, Te Rongotoa. 

Tēnei te tira hou te haere ake nei!

If ever there was ever anyone who has a story or two and lived to tell the tale, its this incredible woman. Raised on a farm in Kawatiri in the rugged yet glorious West Coast of Te Waipounamu, I get cosy with a cuppa and a kōrero with the one and only, Mel Parsons. Award winning folk singer and songwriter (and just overall choice chick) we talk everything from developing a relentless work ethic, balancing life with an 18 month and 4 month old, having a partner who produces and the fact that she survived not one - but two - near death experiences, which has definitely put whats important at the forefront. 

If ever there was ever anyone who has a story or two and lived to tell the tale, its this incredible woman. Raised on a farm in Kawatiri in the rugged yet glorious West Coast of Te Waipounamu, I get cosy with a cuppa and a kōrero with the one and only, Mel Parsons. Award winning folk singer and songwriter (and just overall choice chick) we talk everything from developing a relentless work ethic, balancing life with an 18 month and 4 month old, having a partner who produces and the fact that she survived not one - but two - near death experiences, which has definitely put whats important at the forefront. 

This fulla is one of the most laid back peeps I know, but his work ethic is next to none. With his aim to complete 10 albums in 10 years, in 2020 alone he is on track to completing a total of 4 - which is unheard of. Acclaimed musician, singer, songwriter, husband, pāpā, actor and kapa haka exponent, who else could wear all o' these hats with such swag? None other than the bro, Troy Kingi. 

In this episode of Say Something, me old mate and I dive deep into his creative process, balancing whānau life while getting the mahi done, and he speaks about each album he's released and the exciting stuff on the horizon.

This fulla is one of the most laid back peeps I know, but his work ethic is next to none. With his aim to complete 10 albums in 10 years, in 2020 alone he is on track to completing a total of 4 - which is unheard of. Acclaimed musician, singer, songwriter, husband, pāpā, actor and kapa haka exponent, who else could wear all o' these hats with such swag? None other than the bro, Troy Kingi. 

In this episode of Say Something, me old mate and I dive deep into his creative process, balancing whānau life while getting the mahi done, and he speaks about each album he's released and the exciting stuff on the horizon.