He Kete Waiata

Closing the Festival with class and soul, one of our country’s most exceptional singers graces Tāmaki Makaurau alongside a lineup of top vocalists and musicians for one night only.

After a sold-out headline performance at the Wellington Jazz Festival in 2021, multi-award-winner Whirimako Black (MNZM) (Ngāi Tūhoe) brings her “spirit, passion, confidence” (Scoop) with dynamic performance energy and dulcet tones, performing original material as well as jazz standards in both te reo Māori and English. Joining this legend onstage are bilingual vocal stars Allana Goldsmith (Ngāti Porou, Ngāi Tai ki Tōrere) and Leon Wharekura (Ngaati Mahuta, Ngaati Whaawhaakia, Waikato) with Dixon Nacey (Mangaia, Rarotonga), musical director extraordinaire. Rich and versatile sounds of soul and jazz, and more abound in this not-to-be-missed music spectacular.

Originally scheduled to premiere during our 2022 Festival, we’re now proud to present He Kete Waiata for AAF 2023.