Latest news with #NgātiKahungunukiTeWairoa
Scoop
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scoop
From Whitney Houston, Sci-Fi Epics, To Supernatural Cabaret: C. Penrose Returns Home To Bring Monster Songs To Toitoi
Auckland-based performer Caitlin Penrose is heading back to her Hawke's Bay roots this August, starring in the supernatural cabaret Monster Songs at Toitoi – Hawke's Bay Arts & Events Centre as part of the Laugh Your A** Off Festival. Performing for one night only on Friday 15 August at 7.30pm, Monster Songs invites audiences into a dark and dazzling world of cabaret where Bowie meets Britney and Rocky Horror meets Moulin Rouge—a high-energy and hair-raising musical theatre spectacle, celebrating the misfits of music through explosive pop vocals and theatrical flair. For Penrose, who grew up in Napier, bringing the production home is a full-circle moment. 'Coming back to Hawke's Bay with a show like this with its killer score of musical theatre hits is a dream come true.' says Penrose (Ngāti Kahungunu ki Te Wairoa, Rongomaiwahine). 'I performed at Toitoi as a teenager with my school choir, so it feels very special to be returning to the iconic venue with Monster Songs. We made this show as a love-letter to the theatre kids, misfits and of course, the pop iconic of individuality like Gaga and Bowie who lit the way. I can't wait for audiences to feel as exhilarated and joyful as we do on stage.' Penrose has toured internationally with Showtime Australia singing Whitney Houtston, Lent voice work to the film Dune Part II, and she recently graduated from The Actors' Program. With a growing list of stage and screen credits, including an upcoming Netflix series, her return to Toitoi represents not just a homecoming, but a hometown star on the rise. Glen Pickering, Presenter Services Manager at Toitoi, says audiences are in for something truly unique. 'Monster Songs is an incredible show and with its powerhouse vocals, big energy and a lot of heart is going to be epic in the Opera House.' he says. 'And having Caitlin return to her home region for this performance makes it even more special. We're thrilled to showcase a local talent making big waves across the globe.' Monster Songs blends musical theatre with saucy cabaret, featuring everything from freakishly fun showtune bangers to gut-wrenching pop ballads. It's a genre-bending, high-octane show for anyone who's ever felt like an outsider—and everyone ready to howl along.
Scoop
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Award-Winning Musician MOHI Shares Raw New Single I Need U, Out Today
Press Release – The Public Good Through his signature blend of R&B, soul, and lyrical honesty, MOHI creates a space where pain is met with compassion. I NEED U is a sonic confession – both a reckoning and a release – delivered with rawness, groove, and melodic grace. Following the success of his breakout EP The Flowers That Grow, award-winning genre-bending artist MOHI (Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa, Ngāi Te Rangi and Ngāti Kahungunu ki Te Wairoa) returns with his most vulnerable work yet – I NEED U, a soulful and haunting reflection on addiction, grief, and healing. The track and music video are out today on all major streaming platforms. Marking a shift in tone and subject matter, I NEED U explores MOHI's personal relationship with alcohol and drugs during one of the most difficult times in his life. Drawn from the depths of pain, the song captures the emotional weight of unresolved trauma and the search for escape when the world becomes too hard to face. Through his signature blend of R&B, soul, and lyrical honesty, MOHI creates a space where pain is met with compassion. I NEED U is a sonic confession – both a reckoning and a release – delivered with rawness, groove, and melodic grace. The track continues MOHI's year-long musical journey, The Flowers That Grow From Concrete Pavements, which began with the heartfelt Flowers in Hendo and nostalgic Just Kids. While those tracks celebrated whānau, community, and childhood, I NEED U delves inward, offering listeners an unfiltered glimpse into the artist's darker moments – and the growth that follows. I NEED U is part of the forthcoming Side B of MOHI's ongoing project, due later in 2025. Director / Producer: Luke Penney Director of Photography: Luke Stockman Art Director: Jordan jtl Tarpett-Lee Art Assistant: Tarquin Slater Art Assistant: Alice Bratley Gaffer: Julian Wagner Lighting Assistant: Benjamin Annabelle 1st AC: Joey Leu 2nd AC: Kirill Griffen Colourist: Devan Narsai Stylist: Gee Pikinga Stylist: Chontaine Thompson-Pirake BTS: / jakodvisuals Camera Package: Gear Room NZ Made with the support of NZ On Air I NEED U Single Credits: Written by: MOHI Produced by: Mixed by: BHaru Mastered by: KOG Studios Backing Vocalists: HOPE Distribution: PRECISE ABOUT MOHI Hailing from the urban streets of Henderson, West Auckland, award-winning Indigenous artist MOHI is a once-in-a-lifetime talent. His music weaves Te Reo Māori and traditional Māori storytelling with English lyrics and urban influences, creating a unique and visionary sound. With whakapapa connecting to Te Tai Tokerau, Tauranga Moana, and Ngāti Kahungunu ki Te Wairoa, MOHI's journey is deeply rooted in his Māori heritage. Since launching his solo career in 2020, MOHI has grown to become a household name. With a string of chart-topping hit singles under his belt, MOHI's music has struck a chord with listeners from all walks of life across the globe. His latest project 'The Flowers That Grow From Concrete Pavements' has already seen two singles topping the NZ Music Singles Charts 2024. Last year, MOHI won the Best Te Reo Māori Album and Best Male Artist at the Māori Music Awards 2024. MOHI was also nominated for the 'Best Māori Artist' and the 'Mana Reo' awards at this year's Aotearoa Music Awards 2024 and clinched the coveted APRA MAIOHA AWARD for his waiata 'Me Pēhea Rā.' In May 2025, MOHI took the first showing of his latest project 'The Flowers That Grow From Concrete Pavements' to FOCUS International Showcase Festival in Wales and in June of the same he performed his latest single Starry Skies as part of Matariki Mā Puanga, Aotearoa's official Matariki broadcast.
Scoop
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Award-Winning Musician MOHI Shares Raw New Single I Need U, Out Today
Following the success of his breakout EP The Flowers That Grow, award-winning genre-bending artist MOHI (Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa, Ngāi Te Rangi and Ngāti Kahungunu ki Te Wairoa) returns with his most vulnerable work yet - I NEED U, a soulful and haunting reflection on addiction, grief, and healing. The track and music video are out today on all major streaming platforms. Marking a shift in tone and subject matter, I NEED U explores MOHI's personal relationship with alcohol and drugs during one of the most difficult times in his life. Drawn from the depths of pain, the song captures the emotional weight of unresolved trauma and the search for escape when the world becomes too hard to face. Through his signature blend of R&B, soul, and lyrical honesty, MOHI creates a space where pain is met with compassion. I NEED U is a sonic confession - both a reckoning and a release - delivered with rawness, groove, and melodic grace. The track continues MOHI's year-long musical journey, The Flowers That Grow From Concrete Pavements, which began with the heartfelt Flowers in Hendo and nostalgic Just Kids. While those tracks celebrated whānau, community, and childhood, I NEED U delves inward, offering listeners an unfiltered glimpse into the artist's darker moments - and the growth that follows. Director of Photography: Luke Stockman Art Director: Jordan jtl Tarpett-Lee Art Assistant: Tarquin Slater Art Assistant: Alice Bratley Lighting Assistant: Benjamin Annabelle 1st AC: Joey Leu 2nd AC: Kirill Griffen Colourist: Devan Narsai Stylist: Gee Pikinga BTS: / jakodvisuals Camera Package: Gear Room NZ Made with the support of NZ On Air I NEED U Single Credits: Written by: MOHI Produced by: Mixed by: BHaru Mastered by: KOG Studios Backing Vocalists: HOPE Distribution: PRECISE ABOUT MOHI Hailing from the urban streets of Henderson, West Auckland, award-winning Indigenous artist MOHI is a once-in-a-lifetime talent. His music weaves Te Reo Māori and traditional Māori storytelling with English lyrics and urban influences, creating a unique and visionary sound. With whakapapa connecting to Te Tai Tokerau, Tauranga Moana, and Ngāti Kahungunu ki Te Wairoa, MOHI's journey is deeply rooted in his Māori heritage. Since launching his solo career in 2020, MOHI has grown to become a household name. With a string of chart-topping hit singles under his belt, MOHI's music has struck a chord with listeners from all walks of life across the globe. His latest project 'The Flowers That Grow From Concrete Pavements' has already seen two singles topping the NZ Music Singles Charts 2024. Last year, MOHI won the Best Te Reo Māori Album and Best Male Artist at the Māori Music Awards 2024. MOHI was also nominated for the 'Best Māori Artist' and the 'Mana Reo' awards at this year's Aotearoa Music Awards 2024 and clinched the coveted APRA MAIOHA AWARD for his waiata "Me Pēhea Rā." In May 2025, MOHI took the first showing of his latest project 'The Flowers That Grow From Concrete Pavements' to FOCUS International Showcase Festival in Wales and in June of the same he performed his latest single Starry Skies as part of Matariki Mā Puanga, Aotearoa's official Matariki broadcast.
