Abstract
This thesis examines the unique identity of the Māori Showband movement through the narratives and experiences of a selected group of Māori Showband musicians and entertainers of the 1960s. The Māori Showband musicians and performers are connected through the whakapapa (genealogical connections) of the showband communities.
“He Kohinga Kōrero: A Selected Group of Māori Experiences of the 1960s Through the Māori Showband Movement,” is grounded in Māori Studies but informed by previous research in Ethnomusicology. The written component of this thesis is partnered with my nominated creative component Tutuku. Tutuku is a digital archive created alongside “He Kohinga Kōrero,” which uses the research gained as informed commentary within the digital archive.
This thesis creates a new understanding of the Māori Showband identity and success. Scholarly research surrounding this popular musical movement is sparse. The first part of this thesis investigates the cultural and social climate for Māori before 1960 that lead to the opportunities and emergence of this musical movement. Chapter one introduces the digital archive and discusses the barriers to accessing stories and knowledge. It also lays down the ground work of the research methods used and the importance of kaupapa Māori research methodologies.
Chapters two and three discuss the Māori Showband identity and success, which is created through image, recordings, and performances and whānau (extended family) and whanaungatanga (kinship). The success is measured by understanding the global and local impact of Māori Showbands, centred by a Māori perspective. Chapters four and five use the Māori lens to understand the musicianship and the global experiences of the Māori Showband performers. “He Kohinga Kōrero” concludes with an epilogue, which reflects the experience, memories and knowledge gained throughout this research journey.