Spotlight

Tu Tangata, Issue 14, 1 October 1983, Page 14

Spotlight

“Spotlight” hopes to present young Maoris who are about to highlight their abilities. Pen pictures of contributions of less than 250 words are welcome. •ly person wanting to engage Peter ?an may contact him through P.O. 9415 Newmarket.

Singer Willie Hona has been receiving airplay lately with his single, ‘She needs you’. A ballad number handled well by Willie, the song has featured in the ‘easy listening’ play lists. The flip side is an up-tempo rocker. Willie comes from Rawene, Hokianga and began his professional career in Dargaville with Mark Williams’ band

‘Face’. In 1972 the band came to Auckland for the Battle of the Bands finals, worked many of the clubs and recorded the single, ‘Hanging Around’ on the old Zodiac label. By 1980 Willie was playing guitar backing for the floorshows in Auckland’s Peppermill and in 1982 had his own floorshow there as well as Trillos, Billy Joes, Manhatten and Aladdins.

The glamour and glitter of his own T.V show is the ambition of talented cabaret artist, Peter Morgan. Originally from a small town in the Hokianga, Peter has jammed in an impressive background of nightclub and T.V shows in his 25 years. As well as singing, he displays a versatile ability with choregraphy and playing congas and bongos. Now, after a varied career he wants to return to things Maori, and is eager to trace his whakapapa. Though this he hopes to help and promote young Maori musicians. Peter started in a family group supporting Johnny and Millie Bradfield, playing in the Auckland Sorrento Restaurant. Since then he has played with “Charisma” which led to appearances on “Ready to Roll”, and a stint with the “Tama” band which included Erina Clark and Josie Rika as vocalists. Peter then performed in the live stage show “Judas”, a field he would like to return too. He gained television exposure from being part of “12 Bar Rhythm and Shoes” and the “Richard Eriwata Show”. Peter is a fan of “Motown” and “Funk” music but his admiration for Ella Fitzgerald is moving him into the field of jazz. He wants to release his own album and find a sponser to support and promote his present band “Innovations”.