Billed as the new face of Māori showbands, handsome, hilarious and harmonious, The Modern Māori Quartet is entertainment at its best.

These four performers – James Tito, Mataraki Whaturau, Francis Kora and Maaka Pohatu – all Toi Whakari trained actors, bounce onto the stage and hold my attention for the full 110 minutes of performance and leave me wanting more.

Their repertoire includes old favourites like ‘Pokarekare Ana’, ‘Now Is The Hour’ in te reo, popular hits such as Elvis’s ‘Blue Swede Shoes’ and Rod Stewart’s ‘I Don’t Want To Talk About It’ through to current hits such as Sam Smith’s ‘Stay With Me’ and – a real crowd pleaser – their very own version of Lorde’s ‘Royal’.

Their performance ranges from clear, heart-felt vocal solos to powerful four-part harmonies, all sung with skill, passion and often humour. This is generally accompanied by acoustic guitar with the occasional addition of the bass guitar and Cajon. Interspersed with the singing, we are entertained with some hilarious banter, some slick dance moves, including a Maori Quartet version of the Haka, and an Audience Hula.

Tito once said in an interview, “We are actors who sing, not singers who act.” However, if they are not having a good time then their acting skills must be sublime as their enthusiasm for their craft and infectious laughter give me the impression that they are enjoying themselves as much as I am. They sing tributes to the show bands of the 50s, Howard Morrison, the fallen soldiers of the Māori Battalion, the Māori garage party, and most importantly their (and our) Mums.

There are mistakes. Some pitching problems at times, the saga of the falling guitar which results in a fit of giggles from Francis and Maaka which consequently has the audience in stitches, a flat battery in a guitar and a false start. These, however, far from being distracting, draw the audience into the feeling that this is indeed a, rather large, Māori garage party and the audience are invited friends. When the giggles subside the Aroha medley, complete with actions, proves to be a favourite. 

Go see these guys if you get the chance. Your troubles will be forgotten for the night and you will leave smiling, guaranteed. 

As part of the opening weekend of the Nelson Arts Festival this show has set a high benchmark for the shows that follow. The venue looks fantastic and the atmosphere pleasant. We are treated to the Winds Of Time – a light and sound show – projected onto the Founders Windmill on our way out the gate, and can purchase a slice of toast with Pics peanut butter to end a wonderful and heart-warming evening.

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A major highlight of Arts Festival Dunedin’s first weekend has been the delightful Modern Maori Quartet. 

Last night, a capacity audience at the Glenroy Auditorium were utterly charmed by these four suave, cheeky and immensely talented young musicians/actors.

Maaka Pohatu and bandmates Matariki Whatarau, James Tito and Francis Kora take the concept of the popular Maori showbands of the 1960s and 1970s and update them with a modern Maori sensibility and infectious humour. Think Howard Morrison Quartet meets Flight of the Concords, or as they describe themselves “golden syrup on warm Maori bread”.

The Modern Maori Quartet‘s performance last night focused mainly on the close vocal harmonies woven by the four singers’ rich and powerful voices, accompanied mostly by guitar, with occasional expansion to add bass and percussion. It is a winning formula, allowing the fantastic vocals and the men’s personalities to shine. 

The Modern Maori Quartet rarely simply stand and sing, their performance includes choreographed movement (in the style of the Supremes etc), and is livened throughout by comedy and banter with the audience. The overall feeling is a cosy sense of sitting around the campfire having a great time with some hard-case musical mates. 

Another wonderful aspect of the show was the extraordinary range of songs given the Modern Maori Quartet treatment – from Maori classics such as ‘Haere Mai’ and ‘Pokarekareana’, to Kiwi favourites such as ‘Ten Guitars’, hits like Rod Stewart’s ‘I Don’t Wanna Talk About It’, and even a hilarious and brilliant version of Lorde’s ‘Royals’. The delighted audience was even treated to some Beyoncé-style dancing. 

In reviving the Maori show band tradition with their own modern twist, the Modern Maori Quartet have hit upon a winning formula. Their warmth and humour, added to their undoubted musical talent, make an evening in their company an uplifting and thoroughly enjoyable experience. 

The smiles on the faces of audience members at the show’s conclusion said it all. 

Bravo.

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