Grammy award-winning group Bone Thugs-N-Harmony have landed in Auckland following their first concert for their 2015 NZ Tour last night in Christchurch.
While it's not their first time performing in Aotearoa, it is the first time for member Bizzy Bone (Bryon McCane) to leave the United States, with Aotearoa being his first destination.
With over 30 million albums sold worldwide, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony from Cleveland Ohio have been hip-hop icons since the early 90s.
The campaign for their New Zealand tour originally promised all five members would be in attendance, unfortunately though it wasn't to be. Christchurch fans had to experience 3 of the 5 live in concert as Flesh-n-Bone (Stanley Howse), and Layzie Bone (Steven Howse) were unable to attend.
Layzie Bone landed earlier in Auckland today in time for tonight's concert, while Flesh-n-Bone will remain in the States.
Tutored and guided by Ngāti Whātua tohunga Malcolm Kerehoma, members of KaiHaka Ltd were fortunate to host the official pōwhiri for the international visitors. Eru Rarere-Wilton, manager of KaiHaka, said it was a privilege to welcome them back to Auckland. He said they also hope to do something special tonight for the group before and/or after the concert.
When asked about his first time in Aotearoa, Bizzy Bone said, "The ceremony was terrific." That he, "Loved the way the guys stepped out in front... and the girls being very pretty. I loved the whole ceremony - it was great."
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony are playing back-to-back shows from Christchurch to Auckland, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. Tonight, they'll perform to a sold-out concert at Vector Arena.