Miss Nicky Says It’s Time To Learn Your Pepeha With New Single ‘Do You Know Your Pepeha?’
by Miss Nicky · SCOOPAward-winning kids artist, Miss Nicky Says, launches a vibrant new kaupapa dedicated to teaching tamariki about pepeha. The first waiata from the project, 'Do You Know Your Pepeha?' was released via YouTube and all major streaming platforms on Saturday.
The creative force behind Miss Nicky Says, Nicolla Hemi-Morehouse (Ngāti Koata, Ngāti Toa), says the kaupapa was born from a desire to help tamariki feel proud of their culture, reo, and identity.
"Do You Know Your Pepeha?' and the whole Pepeha project is a wonderful way to connect, tell the story of our ancestors, and show who we really are. When children watch Miss Nicky Says, I hope they feel visible, connected, and proud of their reo and culture," she says.
The single is accompanied by a colourful and captivating music video featuring Troggg from Larrikin Puppets, bringing the waiata to life in the playful, interactive style Miss Nicky Says is known for. The song introduces tamariki and their whanau to the key elements and kupu of pepeha, from maunga, awa, roto and moana, to the waka their ancestors arrived in, whānau, and ending with their name.
Hemi-Morehouse was supported by Mātanga Reo, Justin Kereama (Ngāi Tūhoe), who shares her passion for mātauranga Māori children’s education.
“Miss Nicky Says is a great modernisation of teaching waiata and reo to our tamariki. It has been great to work with Nicolla not only with her own Miss Nicky Says and reo journey but also for all these tamariki in Aotearoa and those living in Australia.”
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The ‘Pepeha’ project will unfold across six waiata and supporting videos releasing throughout June and July, with each song expanding on a different element of pepeha. A 20-minute ‘Pepeha’ special will be released on 7 August.
'Do You Know Your Pepeha?' is available now on YouTube and all streaming platforms.
Credits:
Audio Engineer / Music Producer: Arama Morehouse
Musician: Ben Gilgen
Video Production: Playground Productions (Lee Solo & Zane River)
Puppeteers: Larrikin Puppets
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