Te Ara i Whiti Artist
MAHI TOI
Bite Back! (Te Nguha o Ngā Taniwha)
Bite Back! (Te Nguha o Ngā Taniwha) is a public declaration of love and support for and an unapologetic celebration of our beloved irawhiti community.
The whakapapa of tangata irawhiti within Te Ao Māori has been distorted through the process of colonisation. This work is an attempt to reconnect.
It is also representative of the dreams I hold for all of us. May we be granted peace, protection, abundance, freedom and joy in this life, and the next and the next and the next. May we find home and belonging wherever we are.
This work is an offering of deep-seated love for both my irawhiti identity and my whakapapa, all of which are interconnected.
Bite Back! features a soundscape by Artist:
Big Fat Raro aka Tokerau Teokotai Brown (Manihiki, Rarotonga, Mangaia, Aitutaki, Tongareva)
Big Fat Raro is a Tāmaki-based musician drawing from their cultural roots while blending synths, drum machines, samplers and genres. Recently appearing on Mokotron’s “United Tribes of Bass” album, Brown has been a long-time producer alongside Coco Solid, Fanau Spa and the Kuini Qontrol project. Brown is co-director of artist-run space Wheke Fortress in Onehunga and founder of the music studio project Coconutclouds, creating more access and underground community for Māori Pasifika queer musicians.