KOMMI (Kāi Tahu, Te-Āti-Awa) is a Lyttelton-based rapper who performs in Kāi Tahu dialect - the principal Māori iwi of the South Island. They are also a writer, poet, activist and kaiako - lecturing in Māori and Indigenous Studies and Te Reo Māori.
Ahead of their show at WORD Christchurch, KOMMI joins Charlotte Ryan to talk about their new EP Tauwhenua which explores being haunted, being hōhā, mākutu (witchcraft) and tūrehu (faeries).
Combine all that with the soulful sounds of Marlon Williams, who guests on the album, and it’s an addictive listen.
KOMMI performs at WORD Christchurch this Friday, August 30, at the Piano.
Upcoming gigs:
14th September, Flux in Christchurch: KOMMI with BBYFACEKILLA and Texture
27th September, Te Mouri in Christchurch for Mahuhu Māori
27th/28th October (Labour Weekend), Stewart Island, Rakiura Rhyme Machine
15th November, Errick’s, Dunedin
16th November, Errick’s, Dunedin as part of Ōtepoti Hip-Hop Hustle music festival
Lyttelton-based rapper KOMMI Photo:
