News | 1 July 2021
Share on social

Waiata from the marae to the stage

At the tender age of 25, Majic Pāora has achieved more than some would dream of accomplishing in a lifetime.

A young woman wearing hoop earings, a black tank top and black jeans, with a tattoo on her arm and back, crouching on a suburban road, with a leather jacket wrapped around her waist, and cars and houses beyond.

She’s gone from busking with her brother Robbie as a youngster, to gaining international recognition for her beautiful voice and song-writing talent.

In 2015, she was named Best Māori Female Solo Artist at the Waiata Māori Music Awards and she has recorded an album at Bob Marley’s Tuff Gong Studio in Jamaica.

“I’ve done a little bit on my short journey,” laughs Majic, now a mother of three.

Of Te Aupōuri, Ngā Puhi and Ngāti Whātua decent, Majic started signing when she was four. She’s been performing professionally since she was 12, and has sung alongside many of Aotearoa’s musical legends.

“What really built my confidence was singing on the marae growing up.”

Earlier on in her career she focused on reggae music, but now she is bringing it back to her roots with acoustic soul. Her latest EP, Ever Changing, is a collaboration with her partner, Te Whaiao Manga.

Majic says she is looking forward to performing at Wellington City Council’s Matariki ki Pōneke Festival.

“Matariki is about revitalisation, rejuvenating and normalising our indigenous culture.”

Majic will be performing at Ahi Kā, which is taking place on the Wellington Waterfront, at 7.05pm on Friday 2 July. Find out what else is happening at the Matariki ki Pōneke Festival at wellington.govt.nz/matariki.