Sing Along in Maori with the
Mauriora Entertainers

Viking Stereo VPS99 12 in. 33 ⅓ LP
(also available in monoaural)

This is a polished performance indeed from a surprisingly small group. Consisting of six enterprising young Maoris—Dawn Nathan of Wellington, Ratu and Joe Tibble of Tikitiki, Taite Kupa and Agnes Paipa of Hastings and, a later addition, Kim Porou of Gisborne—the Mauriora Entertainers have been in existence less than two years. During this time they have not performed publicly, yet they have appeared on two records as well as filming a number of short ‘spots’ in black and white and colour for the National Film Unit. Each of these features a Maori song or dance, and they are due for release soon both in New Zealand and overseas. They will be seen on television and in the cinema.

This is a group with big ideas and the enterprise to back them up. At present the leader, Dawn Nathan, is in the United States working for the Government Tourist Bureau and making arrangements for the remainder of the group to join her there at the end of this year. In the States the Entertainers hope to stage intimate performances of Maori items in night

clubs and the like, as well as appearing on radio and television. If this record is any indication, they should be worthy ambassadors of their race and of New Zealand as a whole.

Unlike many other groups, the Mauriora Entertainers have not debased their Maori items by tinkering or gimmicks. Most of the items are gay and tuneful and in a style easy on the European ear without being the usual collection of Maori words to hackneyed American tunes. There is a typical Maori flavour and harmony about their singing. Even when the group do sing European tunes—two of Sam Freedman's—they have a Maori theme, are in keeping with the rest of the disc, and make very pleasant listening.

Criticisms of the disc are that with such a small group the stereo medium is not fully exploited except in ‘Pakete Whero’. The chants would be better with a guitar, and the men's calling is intrusive in the Poi Waka. Poi sounds would help to give the poi items more life and distinctiveness.

On the cover are the words of the songs (unfortunately without translation) which make for added interest. Those who buy this record will, I am sure, enjoy it.