American hip hop artist Tyga was spiritually moved during a pōwhiri today to welcome him and his entourage for his concert in Auckland this evening.
“It was a good response, good experience, really nice, spiritual," says Tyga.
“This is the first time I have experienced a welcome like this.”
Tyga was welcomed with a wero, mihi, waiata and haka from kapa kaiHaka during the welcoming.
He was also gifted a hand-made purerehua, wind instrument, and received a quick lesson in how to make a sound on the instrument from kaiHaka members.
KaiHaka leader Eruera Rarere-Wilton says it is his group’s mission to share their core Māori values of manaakitanga, whanaungatanga and kotahitanga with visitors.
“We want them to know what makes New Zealand special in this world- and that is the generous spirit of our people,” says Rarere-Wilton.
kaiHaka welcomes Tyga to AucklandTYGA RECEIVES CUSTOMARY MĀORI WELCOME TO NEW ZEALAND
Hip Hop artist Tyga was “spiritually” moved by a customary haka pōwhiri (Māori welcome) performed by kaiHaka when he arrived into Auckland, New Zealand this morning with his entourage.
“It was a good response, good experience, really nice - spiritual,” said Tyga. “This is the first time I have experienced a welcome like this.”
As is customary, kaiHaka welcomed Tyga with a wero (challenge performed by Warriors), mihi whakatau (speech of welcome), moteatea (customary chant), waiata (songs) and haka. Tyga's management responded thanking kaiHaka and noting how moved they were by the welcome.
kaiHaka leader Eruera Rarere-Wilton has led many haka powhiri for international celebrities and dignitaries and is driven to do his part to give visibility to the Maori culture and values on the world stage.
“Our kaupapa (mission) is to share with visitors our core Māori values of manaakitanga (hospitality), whanaungatanga (family values) and kotahitanga (unity). We want them to know what makes New Zealand special in this world - and that is the generous spirit of our people,” says Eru.
“We welcome visitors in the ways of our tupuna (ancestors) with Haka Powhiri (welcome ceremonies) to give them a sense of connection and belonging through an unforgettable culture experience that guests take with them when they return home.”
Tyga was gifted a hand-made purerehua (bull roarer - traditional Māori wind instrument) carved by Troy Hart-Webb, made especially for him. He received a quick lesson in how to make a sound on the instrument by Taonga Puoro expert Shane McClean before departing. He also received a hand flax woven Poroporo (Bracelet) from weaver Muna Lee-Watene, who also guided Tyga through the Haka Powhiri process.
kaiHaka have performed haka powhiri for international music artists and dignitaries at the Auckland International Airport and at event locations including: Mariah Carey, Ed Sheeran, Rihanna to name a few, and earlier this month, CardiB and the Jackson 5.
TYGA performs at the Trust Arena in Auckland City this evening.
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Posted by Kaihaka Kapa Haka on Thursday, January 24, 2019
Tyga’s management thanked the group during the pōwhiri, saying they were moved.
The 29-year-old has seen recent success since releasing his sixth studio album, Kyoto, in 2018.
He also released the single,Taste, which peaked at number eight on the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming his first entry on the Hot 100 in three years.
The rapper will perform at the Trust Arena in Auckland City this evening.
