Bringing back M¯aori classics

‘‘We've performed there twice already, most recently opening for UB40 over the New Year period. But this time will be different. We get to share our debut album accompanied by the amazing Annie Crummer and some of the best musicians in Aotearoa.’’ Jamesd Tito

The Modern Ma¯ ori Quartet is set to hit the Taupo¯ stage on Sunday October 8, and it will be a homecoming for singer James Tito returning home.

Tito grew up on the shores of Hatepe, between Taupo¯ and Turangi. Tito got into music at a young age having been around guitars and songs in church and at home.

‘‘My dad sings and plays guitar and he was my inspiration for picking it up and learning,’’ he said.

The group all graduated, at different times, from drama school, Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama School.

It was at Toi Whakaari the boys first heard of each other, and at various parties would come together and jam out songs.

‘‘Turns out that we had a love for the same hearty music. Old school truth music and the music from the Ma¯ ori Showbands, your Prince Tui Teka and the Hi Marks.’’

It was then they became the Modern Ma¯ ori Quartet, known for their modern take on Ma¯ ori classics and making a name for themselves around the world.

It is now a full time career for Tito, something that he is most grateful for.

‘‘We get to travel all around the world performing for many different cultures and people. It’s something that is rare and special. May we long continue to share the aroha [love] in a world that will constantly need it.’’

Tito is looking forward to performing in his home region again.

‘‘We’ve performed there twice already, most recently opening for UB40 over the New Year period. But this time will be different. We get to share our debut album accompanied by the amazing Annie Crummer and some of the best musicians in Aotearoa.’’

Tito said he is ‘‘looking forward to sharing our original songs with the country as It’s been an amazing process bringing to life on record and its time to share them.’’