These Mini Music Documentaries showcase five iconic acts as they take centre stage at Splore Festival. They reflect on what they love about Tāmaki Makaurau and performing beachside at Tāpapakanga Regional Park.
Directed by Serena Stevenson and made with support from Auckland Unlimited to celebrate Auckland UNESCO City of Music.
Episode 1 | Topp Twins
The Twins say they are Splore virgins! We see how Camp Mother and Camp Leader blend in with our colourful Splorer's, bringing the best of themselves in barrels of laughter. Director Serena Stevenson says the wisdom these two extraordinary characters share is as sparkly as the shores of Tāpapakanga on the Splore Sunday afternoon.
Episode 2 | Deva Mahal
Deva Mahal was born with blues in her blood. Beginning from her upbringing in Kaua’i, Hawaii to discovering her voice in Aotearoa, where she solidified her vision of becoming an artist. She is a diva goddess with a pacific connection. A powerful exotic softness. We see her story as the pacific queen rises. In the lush Tāpapakanga landscape and bush, we go wide, big, and beautiful.
Episode 3 | Tali
A story that represents women in music told by the female MC with guts. We are taken on a journey of relationships between nine musicians in the band and the audience with Tali at the helm.
Tali puts on her makeup (it's big for her this year) she’s going all out with her on-stage attire. It's the first time Tali is playing on the main stage at Splore and she secretly knows she is going to stand out and up, especially with Shapeshifter playing the same night.
Episode 4 | BLKCITY
Aside from the great chemistry that all five artists show in their recent releases, the cultural impact of the BLKCITY is also huge, particularly regarding immigrant and African diaspora in Aotearoa, both within the realm of the performing arts but also across the board.
In 2020 African New Zealanders are an established part of Aotearoa's cultural milieu with JessB taking out a MTV European Music Award for best NZ act, and "Stylebender" being a UFC world champion to name a few examples.
Episode 5 | Lou'ana
Louana is a spiritual woman, who is guided by the moon, seasons and planets, saying it grounds her. Witchism is in her Samoan lineage where there is synergy between the spiritual and physical worlds. At Splore Lou’ana performs her song derived from a Samoan chant, engaging the audience to chant with her.
