| About Toni |
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From London jazz clubs to European arts festivals to New Zealand's Te Papa Tongarewa, Toni Huata's style and strength as a performer allows her to stand confidently in te Ao Māori (the world of Māori) and non-Māori worlds. "Toni brings forth sounds and feelings from the past, mixes it with today's international musical influences to present a sound for the future" -Tū Mai Magazine, NZ Toni is a Māori songtress, actor, performer and director whose talent allows her to perform at various International music and dance festivals both nationally and around the world including support to The Neville Brothers (USA). Toni has performed in London - England, Baskque, Spain, Holland, Germany, Canada, Australia, Hawaii, Rarotonga, Palau and Pago Pago for the 10th Pacific Arts festival. Her performances overseas have earned her praise: "Aotearoa's very own Whitney Houston"- Cook Island News "Her stunning voice has been heard before but 'Te Māori e' is a visual and aural delight" - Real Groovy, NZ Hailing from Hastings in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand, Toni says she was surrounded by an eclectic array of influences including the Anglican Church, choir, tap dancing, musical theatre and Māori cultural performance. She affiliates to Ngāti Kahungunu and Rongowhakaata tribes, and is also of Lebanese, German, Scandinavian and Irish decent. "The show had high quality offerings for a wide variety of tastes, ended most suitably with Toni Huata singing the dramatic Haere Atu Rā . . ." DOMPOST, NZ Toni's music reflects her deep spiritual roots however vocals range from jazz, soul to opera. Toni graduated in music at Whitireia Polytechnic, Porirua and her quest to hone skills as a performer took her to Jim Moriarty's Te Rākau Hua o Te Wao Tapu touring theatre company. Adding more strings to her bow, Toni performed in various theatrical productions for New Zealand theatres: The Civic, Westpac St James, State Opera House, Issac Theatre Royal, Circa, Downstage, Te Whāea and Taki Rua. From 2003 to present Toni hold a starring as Hine nui te Pō – Goddess of the after life and Māui’s mother Taranga in the NZ renowned Aerial theatre production ‘Māui – One Man against the Gods’. Toni is currently working on her third solo album ‘Whiti’ and NZ musical tour ‘Te Reo Pārekareka’ and looks forward to returning overseas in the New Year performing her own music. Toni is also a tutor in voice, movement and stage craft and did voice work for Peter Jackson’s King Kong.
REVIEWS - What the Media think: "Māori Diva sings in London" - NZ News UK "The beautiful vocal power of Toni Huata" - Evening Post, NZ "Toni Huata presents a stunning performance" - Dominion, NZ "Haunting Experience: Toni Huata" - New Zealand Herald "Toni Huata sets the mood" (performance with the Neville Brothers) - Kapi Mana, NZ
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