Marae Visit, 1983
On February 23 1983, David Bowie attended a Maori welcome of songs, speeches and traditional food at the Takapuahia marae in Porirua, New Zealand.
At the marae, Bowie performed a short exclusive song written
for the occasion called Waiata - the custom being that a visitor sings a song about themself.
"Waiata" is the traditional Maori term for 'song' or 'singing'. Some reports recognised Bowie's title as "Singing a Waiata For You" but to this day, it appears to be a one off performance and has probably never been heard again since!
300 people were in attendence including 100 local Maori (many children) and Bowie's own 30-strong entourage. According to a NZ newspaper at the time, the event was filmed for future world wide release.
Scan sent in Jacqui Matheson and Brian (sonofsilence).
From an article by Lucy Rakete (Times Correspondent):
MAORITANGA and Bowie-mania got to know each other better at an historic meeting on the Ngati Toa marae at Porirua this week.
David Bowie, currently at the end of a world tour, requested the visit to the marae because he wanted to get to see a carved meeting house and meet Maori people.
Ngati Toa elder Horata Solomon said Bowie's request was a complete surprise.
"We didn't seek him out, he just came to us - but we knew this must
be significant for our people".
Another elder, Puahou Katene, was called on to brief Bowie in his hotel
room before the welcome. "I didn't like his music because I couldn't
understand it. But now I've changed my mind."
"David was very sincere, and had a great impact on the kids."
Scan sent in Jacqui Matheson and Brian (sonofsilence).
Puahou admits that some of the elders who considered the request hadn't
heard of Bowie or his music. "I don't think the committee realised how big this man was.
They thought he was just a pop star. But after seeing what it's done for
our kids, we now know what he means to our kids."
Scan sent in Jacqui Matheson and Brian (sonofsilence).
Puahou said Bowie had already done some swotting up on Maori culture,
and was aware of the sacredness of the occasion. "He asked about
what we do, what to wear and especially when he'd get a chance to sing
his song."
"I told him we'd cover him in the formal aspects, and his chance
to sing would come once inside the house, Toa Rangatira."
Scan sent in Jacqui Matheson and Brian (sonofsilence).
"David wanted to know about the significance of the carvings in the
meeting house, so I gave him an explanatory booket about them in the briefing."
The welcoming ceremony went almost without a hitch, except for the comission
of the traditional hongi because the kids swarmed onto the marse after
the speeches.
But the enthusiasm of the young and not so young fans really made the
night.
Local school children had been told about the visitor earlier in the week,
but had been sworn to secrecy, because the olders were worried it might
get out of hand.
However, a very efficient "bush telegraph" saw a full turnout
on the night.
Scan sent in Jacqui Matheson and Brian (sonofsilence).
Harata Solomon said the young people were the real hosts. "The boys
performed the haka, one of them did the challenge, my daughter replied
to the karanga."
Bowie said he was very honoured to be in the meeting house, and it stood
out to be one of the most hospitable experiences of his life.
Scan sent in Jacqui Matheson and Brian (sonofsilence).
Scan sent in Jacqui Matheson and Brian (sonofsilence).
Scan sent in Jacqui Matheson and Brian (sonofsilence).
Scan sent in Jacqui Matheson and Brian (sonofsilence).
Scan sent in Jacqui Matheson and Brian (sonofsilence).
