Maaka Photo: Courtesy of Maaka
Name of project: Maaka
Real name: Mark Te Otene Fiso
Age (of project): 30
Hometown: Upper Hutt, Wellington
Formative Musical Experience: I was always mesmerized but the vocal ability of the singer’s singer. As a kid, I remember playing ‘Mariah Carey Live in Madison Square Garden’ every Saturday morning. Then I discovered the likes of Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles and then onto more current artists like John Legend and Beyonce. I loved any singer who was able to trill skillfully and effortlessly, and I would try and imitate them. Needless to say, this influences a lot of my writing today.
Musical Guilty Pleasure: Pop! Early 2000’s pop more precisely.
