IT’S THE SECOND SEMI-FINAL ON MĀORIOKE!

12 November 2007

After weeks of arduous auditions, it’s time for the second semi-final of Māori Television’s popular nationwide talent show, MĀORIOKE, this Friday November 16 at 8.30 PM.

Over 500 hopefuls from Northland to Southland have tried out for the fourth series of the competition, putting on their best vocal performances in front of seasoned judges Whirimako Black, Brannigan Kaa and Betty-Anne Monga.

Just 25 have made it through and are taking to the stage again, giving the judges another chance to evaluate their vocal range, pitch and stage presence and to see if they have that elusive ‘X’ factor.

At the end of the fifth semi-final (Friday December 7 at 8.30 PM), the judges will make the tough decision about which seven singers are through to the grand MĀORIOKE final and in with a chance to take out the title and $10,000 cash prize.

In addition to announcing the seven finalists, presenters Kingi Biddle and Cushla Tangaere will announce the category winners. There is a $1,000 cash prize for Best R’n’B/Hip Hop, Best Pop/Rock, Best Country and Western/Old School, Best Kiwiana (NZ) and Best Waiata Reo Māori performances.

The second group of five semi-finalists performing this Friday November 16 at 8.30 PM are:

JOHN WALKER, Franklin: This father of five rates New Zealand great Dennis Mason as one of his all time favourite singer/musicians. John has kept his considerable talents under wraps until his youngest child was ready for school and now he’s ready to show the motu what he’s got. John enjoys the full support of his partner Debbie and his children (twin boys aged 12, and two girls and a boy with ages ranging from 5 to 14).

BERNADETTE AUGUST, Mount Maunganui: The beautiful Mount Maunganui is home to Bernadette where she lives with her partner and is surrounded by family and friends. She entered MĀORIOKE because those whānau and friends gave her sufficient courage to do so. Bernadette says she wants to win the competition to show them that their trust is not misplaced and to give herself confidence.

WARU CLARK, Auckland: Waru has been singing informally for years, first in a family group and then in a high school band, but it’s taken him until now to get off the couch and onto our screens as a solo performer. This Auckland teacher is inspired by the likes of Luther Vandross and Aretha Franklin but says being in the audience of a Bob Marley concert at the age of 15 was also a memorable experience.

JESSIE MATTHEWS, Wanganui: When Jessie Matthews was 13, she entered her school talent quest – and hasn’t looked back. She’s been a fan of MĀORIOKE since the very first season and says she has been working really hard to get herself to the point where she was confident enough to enter. Jessie has a big voice and big heart – she works in a vocational day base for people with disabilities.

RUDOLPH DIAZ, Christchurch: The second eldest in a family of five, Rudolph says it was his love for music that got him into MĀORIOKE. He’s just finished full-time studying and is taking the time to look at his options. Rudolph rates Stevie Wonder as a singer, and says he would love to see someone like him perform in concert as he’s never been to a live gig.

Mauri Ora Productions – the makers of MĀORIOKE – have held auditions in the major centres, allowing contestants the opportunity to travel in from smaller towns to try and dazzle the seasoned judging panel.

Join the best new singers in the country when the second semi-finals of MĀORIOKE screen onMāori Television on Friday November 16 at 8.30 PM.

Ends

Sandy Hodge
Kaiwhakaputa (Publicist)
Māori Television
DDI +64 9 539 7009
MOB: +64 21 325 826
EML: sandy.hodge@maoritelevision.com