In this series, we will hear from young local performers as they explore how they express their cultural identities through creative performance – from traditional songs to original compositions.
This series has been made possible with the support from the Dunedin City Council Creative Communities Scheme and New Zealand on Air.
Hermione Hai
Released 8 October 2020
Unique Ōtepoti is celebrating expression of culture through music and performance. First up, we hear from Hermione Hai who is performing a few instrumental pieces on the Guzheng.
Keira Wallace
Released 15 October 2020
This week on Unique Ōtepoti we hear from Keira Wallace. In this video, she performs and talks about the story behind her orginal song ‘Sunflower’ and describes how her personal experiences and family influence her culture.
Soana Pole
Released 22 October 2020
Up next on Unique Ōtepoti we hear from Soana Pole and Leah Faitonu about their experiences expressing their Tongan and Samoan cultures. In this video they perform a Tongan song called ‘Katinia’.
Thanuja Luxmanan
Released 29 October 2020
This week on Unique Ōtepoti Thanuja Luxmanan tells us about her Sri Lankan Tamil culture, the importance of music in Tamil movies, and she performs a song called ‘Kannaana Kanney’.
Poppy Mitchell
Released 5 November 2020
This week on Unique Ōtepoti we are celebrating Kiwiana with Poppy Mitchell. In this episode she talks about her journey connecting with her Māori heritage and she performs an couple of her original songs.