Beat boxing a new path
HE’S the son of Kiwi music greats and was brought up jamming with their chart-topping band on stage, but Beau Monga admits to a bit of stage fright when he auditioned for the latest series of The X Factor NZ.
The 20-year-old beat-boxed and loop-pedalled his way through a cover of Hit The Road Jack, delighting the judges of the hit reality TV music talent search. A video post featuring his audition had a record 1.9 million views in just six days, MediaWorks said.
Beau is trying to move out from the shadow of famous parents Betty-Anne and Ryan Monga, founders of legendary New Zealand group Ardijah, renown for their smooth, groundbreaking polyfunk sound. He is intent on creating his own style of music.
The X-Factor NZ biggest stage so far.
But he couldn’t escape his music heritage. Before he could open his mouth, The X-Factor NZ judge Stan Walker stopped him: ‘‘I recognise you,’’ he said. ‘‘Your parents are Ardijah.’’ Beau’s face dropped slightly. ‘‘I do love them – who doesn’t love their parents?’’ Beau told Sunday News.
was his
‘‘It’s just bringing that up came out of nowhere. It doesn’t need to be brought up just because someone’s parents have done music before. They are not really on stage at that moment.’’
He says he’s on the TV3 show to make his own name and follow out his dream career in music – a career that started with busking on the streets of South Auckland.
‘‘That’s my job. Sometimes I make money but I mostly do it because I feel nice when I jam.’’
Beau, who taught himself how to beat box and use a loop pedal, said he discovering his talent after leaving high school. Legends: left to right, Kaitapu, Tony T, Ryan Capt Fonk Monga, Betty-Anne, Rico Tali and Mark Steven.
He’d previously jammed with his parents but joked that he was kicked out of their band. ‘‘They gave me the flick. Nah. It was cool, it just wasn’t what I was interested in.’’
Beau says he will continue to use his loop pedal in his performances.
‘‘It’s like my identity when I perform – it’s pretty much my guitar.’’
As well as music, he enjoys playing basketball, break dancing, playing with his nieces and nephews, and his favourite food is sushi dipped in butter chicken sauce.
I recognise you. Your parents are
formed in the 1980s, starting out in the Auckland pub and club scene, and quickly turning into a national success. They had several Top 10 albums and singles, including a No1 with Silly Love Songs. Betty-Anne won Top Female Vocalist at the 1999 New Zealand Music Awards.