He found his feet as a singer and rapper during his years as back-up for the legendary Kiwi Singer 'Che Fu'. Today Hoani Kake a.k.a Hazadus will release his first Māori language EP, 'The Lost Mix-tape'.
Growing up in his own iwi turf of Ngāti Awa, as well as stints across other parts of the country has given him a range of experiences to draw from illustrated in the new album 'Bla Bla'.
His potential was first spotted over 10 years ago when he landed a back-up roll with Che Fu and the Crates.
He since moved on to lead of the Latino Band Batucada Sound Machine and in recent years he's been finding his flow with the likes of Ryan Monga Junior.
However, today a new journey begins for Hoani Kake a.k.a Hazadus with a new found enthusiasm to learn the Māori language.
He's also not forgetting his hip hop roots.
The launch is tonight at Auckland live music bar 'Black Note', and he'll then head back home and perform for his own at the Ngāti Awa Festival tomorrow.