Kapa haka

Performance#

The work of a kapa haka consists of the group performance of a suite of songs and dances spanning several types of Māori music and dance, strung together into a coherent whole. Music and dance types that normally appear are (warm-up song), (entrance song), (action song), (challenge), or (old-style singing), (coordinated swinging of balls attached to cords), and (closing song). They may also include (synchronised manipulation of thin sticks). In a full performance, which can last up to 40 minutes, each music or dance type may appear more than once. Music for kapa haka is primarily vocal. All song types, with the notable exceptions of mōteatea and haka, are structured around European-style harmony, frequently with guitar accompaniment and acoustics. Spurts of haka-style declamation are woven into the songs, as are dance movements, facial expressions and other bodily and aural signals unique to Māori. Song poetry is completely in Māori and new material is continually being composed. The sole musical instruments used in kapa haka performances are the guitar, the conch shell, the sounds of and (see below) and body percussion, especially the stamping of feet. Every two years, kapa haka performers from all parts of New Zealand compete in Te Matatini, New Zealand’s annual, national Māori performing arts competition for adult groups. There is also a national secondary schools kapa haka competition Ngā Kapa Haka Kura Tuarua o Aotearoa that used to be part of Polyfest, where the level of performance is also very high.

Music and dance styles used by kapa haka#

Kapa haka are mixed groups of anywhere between several and dozens of people, that may or may not wear a costume. These groups comprise individuals linked in some way, be it by extended family group, (tribe), school, or some other association. Performers are largely synchronised, but with men sometimes doing some actions while women do others. A few performers have particular roles, such as the (male and female leaders), often moving among the performers to urge them on. Composers, arrangers, choreographers and costume designers also play major roles. Not all Māori performance types are used by kapa haka. Below are brief descriptions of the ones that usually appear. See Māori music for a wider discussion of Māori music. * are choral pieces used to warm up the vocal cords and introduce the group to the audience.

External links#

• Maori.org kapa haka page
• Research in New Zealand Performing Arts – a free online research journal that discusses contemporary kapa haka and related Māori performing arts.
• New Zealand Post Kaumātua Kapa Haka Slideshow of images from the 2014 New Zealand Post Kaumātua Kapa Haka, Te Papa Channel