Creative Capital: Celebrating queer joy with Pere Wihongi

Pere Wihongi (Te Rarawa, Ngā Puhi, Ngāti Kuri, Ngāti Wai) is a musician, composer, voice actor, choreographer, and kapa haka performer, who originally comes from Herekino in Northland. As well as being a founder of the kapa haka group Angitu. Pere is also part of the award-winning music group Maimoa. Pere discusses embracing Te Reo Māori through music and advocating for authentic representation in kapa haka. Pere and Elyssia also discuss celebrating queer joy and resilience and embracing cultural identity as a superpower.

Episode themes:

• Te Ao Māori values guide Pere’s creative work, instilling language and culture into artistic expressions.

• The impact of Kura Kaupapa on Pere’s artistry and life, shaping his perspective and actions.

• Maimoa music collective promotes Te Reo Māori through songs to revitalise language and cultural pride.

• Challenging gender norms in kapa haka performances by authentically representing diverse gender expressions - including integrating femininity into traditionally masculine roles.