In this episode, Libby engages in a captivating conversation with the well-known composer and taonga puoro practitioner, Horomona Horo, hailing from Ngāpuhi, Taranaki, and Ngāti Porou. Together, they embark on a journey into Horomona’s deep love for te ao Māori and explore how his connection, not only with Taonga Pūoro but also with te reo and its tikanga, became a form of Rongoā (healing) throughout his life.
From the bustling streets of Auckland to the profound expression of his oro (sound) through his passion for te ao Māori, Horomona’s path has been profoundly influenced by Hip Hop culture. He has skillfully combined and fused various musical genres to express his wairua (spirit) in a unique and impactful way.
Join us in this episode as we delve into the fascinating story of Horomona Horo, where music, culture, and the spirit converge in a harmonious journey of self-expression and healing.
About Libby Gray
He uri ia nō Ngāti Rēhia, Ngāti Uepōhatu, Tama Ūpoko ki te awa o Wanganui me Ngāti Tūwharetoa anō hoki.
Elizabeth Gray’s’ passion for taonga puoro is deeply rooted in her affections for Mātauranga Māori and her compassion for healing others.
The memory of a Putatara (Native conch shell) being unearthed from the backyard of her childhood in Napier, New Zealand, may have in turn unearthed her desire to reconnect others with the healing aspect of taonga puoro.
A practitioner of this ancient art, Elizabeth is researching Taonga Puoro and its traditional use as Rongoā. Elizabeth applied a variety of Taonga Puoro as rongoā throughout her own unique parenting journey.
About Horomona Horo
Ko Hikurangi, ko Putahi ōku maunga
Ko Waiapu, ko Wairoro ōku awa
Ko Horouta, ko Mataatua ōku waka
Ko Porourangi, ko Rahiri ōku rangatira
Ko Ngati Porou, ko Nga Puhi ōku iwi
Ko Uepohatu, ko Te Uri o Hua ōku hapū
Ko Ruataupare, ko Kohewhata ōku marae
Composer, musical artist, practitioner and cross genre and arts collaborator, Horomona Horo has fused the traditional instruments of the Maori, taonga puoro, within a diverse range of cultural, musical and educational forms.
Horomona Horo learning taonga pūoro
Mentored by tohunga (experts) of taonga puoro, Dr Hirini Melbourne and Richard Nunns. Horo is one of the international Maori faces of Taonga Puoro. Horomona has developed his mastery and skill of not only the performance practice of taonga puoro, but, has continued the vision of the renaissance of the traditional Māori musical instruments by his mentors and has extended his knowledge and skills across diverse music and art genres. From educational teaching in Kura Kaupapa Māori through to University, he has a broad knowledge spectrum to share with those with passion and desire.
Horomona Horo's mahi
Māori composer Horomona Horo is a specialist practitioner of Traditional Māori Instruments. His extensive history in performance and collaborative work spans over 20 years, during this time he has worked with a vast array of creative disciplines and genre as well as recently completing artist residencies at Government House NZ & Brandeis University (USA). Horomona’s work features alongside NZ & international artists such as Maisey Rika, Dame Gillian Whitehead, Black Arm Band, QSO, Small Island Big Song (to name a few). Events include WOMAD, The Rainforest Festival (Borneo), WOMEX, Rugby & Cricket World Cups, Olympic & Commonwealth Games, The Celtic Festival, Jazz & Blues Festival (Australia), and many more.
