Summer 2017

We are the Modern Māori Quartet (MMQ) – James Tito, Matariki Whatarau, Maaka Pohatu and Francis Kora – a Māori foursome with a fresh take on classic Māori showbands. We love crooning our spin on modern and classic numbers, and we’re now on a journey to release our debut album of original waiata (music). We can’t wait to share what we’ve created with you.

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James Tito

MMQ-mugshot_Maaka

Maaka Pohatu

MMQ-mugshot_Matariki

Matariki Whatarau

MMQ-mugshot_Francis

Francis Kora

MMQ Shine album cover

DEBUT SINGLE

SHINE

BUY ON ITUNES

LYRICS & MORE

Photography by Jen Raoult Photography
Cover design by Mardo El-Noor

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SOPHOMORE SINGLE

MĀREIKURA

BUY ON ITUNES

LYRICS & MORE

Cover design by Mardo El-Noor

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THIRD SINGLE

KAI SONG

FREE DOWNLOAD
@ BANDCAMP

LYRICS & MORE

Food prepared + styled by Noa Campbell
Paper table cloth by Tracey Tawhiao
Cover design + photography by Mardo El-Noor

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NEW SINGLE

DON’T FALL IN LOVE

BUY ON ITUNES

LYRICS & MORE

Photography, cover design + accompanying artwork
by Mardo El-Noor

LIVE

LISTEN

HAPPY HOUR
SONGS FROM THE TV SHOW

BUY ON ITUNES

LISTEN ON SPOTIFY

WATCH

PAEĀHUA

 

PAE TĪHAU

PRESS

MORE ARTICLES

CONTACT US

THE MODERN MĀORI QUARTET LTD

Yee Yang ‘Square’ Lee
Co-Manager • General Counsel

Sums Selvarajan
Co-Manager • Managing Director

PO Box 41243, St Lukes
Auckland, NEW ZEALAND 1346

 

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James Tito

Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāpuhi, Kuki Airani

James trained at UCOL (Advanced Certificate in Performing Arts) and Toi Whakaari. He has acted in theatre productions including Awhi Tapu, Tu, The Māori Troilus and Cressida and Sydney Bridge Upside Down and on screen including Awhi Tapu, When We Go To War and The Kick. He was nominated as Most Promising Male Newcomer at the 2011 Chapman Tripp Awards. James had the inspiration to establish the Modern Māori Quartet and revive the showbands of yesteryears because of the talented people he has worked with.

 Makka-profile Matariki-profile Francis-profile

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Maaka

Maaka Pohatu

Ngai Tāmanuhiri, Ngāti Apa, Ngāti Tūwharetoa

A graduate of Toi Whakaari, Maaka has performed in numerous productions such as the critically acclaimed Strange Resting Places and The Māori Troilus and Cressida, which featured at the prestigious Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. He made his film debut in the feature Two Little Boys. Maaka is also a professional musician and proud member of the Modern Māori Quartet.

 Makka-profile Matariki-profile Francis-profile

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Matariki

Matariki Whatarau

Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Tamaterā

Since graduating from Toi Whakaari, Matariki has appeared in various theatre productions including Awhi Tapu, Tu and Paper Sky. His screen credits include The Almighty Johnsons, Go Girls and The Pā Boys. Matariki has always loved playing music, singing and acting so being a part of the Modern Māori Quartet is his dream job.

 Makka-profile Matariki-profile Francis-profile

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Francis

Francis Kora

Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Pūkeko

Francis is a new member to the Modern Māori Quartet. He is also a graduate of Toi Whakaari. For the last decade, Francis has been a musician with (and now the frontman of) iconic NZ band KORA. He had his debut film role in The Pā Boys and was a presenter on Māori Television’s Code. Francis has a passion for telling Aotearoa’s stories through film and theatre.

 Makka-profile Matariki-profile Francis-profile

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JAMES TITO

Ngāti Tūwharetoa • Ngāpuhi • Kuki Airani

James trained at UCOL (Advanced Certificate in Performing Arts) and Toi Whakaari.  He has acted in theatre productions including Awhi Tapu, The Māori Troilus and Cressida and Sydney Bridge Upside Down and on screen including Awhi Tapu, The Kick and Mahana.  He was nominated as Most Promising Male Newcomer at the 2011 Chapman Tripp Awards.  James had the inspiration to establish the Modern Māori Quartet and revive the showbands of yesteryears because of the talented people he has worked with.

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MAAKA POHATU

Ngai Tāmanuhiri • Ngāti Apa • Ngāti Tūwharetoa

A graduate of Toi Whakaari, Maaka has performed in a multitude of productions ranging from the critically acclaimed Strange Resting Places and The Māori Troilus and Cressida, which featured at the prestigious Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London to more recently, A Slightly Isolated Dog’s highly acclaimed recreation of Moliere’s Don Juan.  He made his film debut in the feature Two Little Boys and portrayed Dalvanius Prime in the recent hit Kiwi music biopic Poi E.  Maaka is also a professional musician and is a proud member of the Modern Māori Quartet.

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Matariki Whatarau

Ngāti Kahungunu • Ngāti Raukawa • Ngāti Tama te Rā

Since graduating from Toi Whakaari, Matariki has appeared in various theatre productions including Awhi Tapu, Tū and Paper Sky.  His screen credits include The Almighty Johnsons, Go Girls, Find Me A Māori Bride, The Pā Boys and Mahana.  Matariki has always loved playing music, singing and acting so being a part of the Modern Māori Quartet is his dream job.

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Francis Kora

Ngāi Tūhoe • Ngāti Pūkeko

Francis is the fifth member of the Modern Māori Quartet, replacing original founding member Matu Ngaropo. He is also a graduate of Toi Whakaari.  For the last decade, Francis has been a musician with (and is now the frontman of) iconic NZ band KORA.  He had his debut film role in The Pā Boys and was a presenter on Māori Television’s CODE.  Francis has a passion for telling Aotearoa’s stories through film and theatre.

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