Amokura - Interview with P. Digsss from Shapeshifter

World-renowned live Drum&Bass group Shapeshifter, has released their latest single, 'Amokura' to celebrate Epetoma o te reo Māori Kūki 'Āirani - Cook Islands Language Week 2023.

Lead singer Paora Apera, also known as P. Digsss, sits down with us to share his childhood growing up in the Cook Islands and how the song 'Amokura' came to be.

‘Amokura’ is a big electronic, jungle, island drum & bass track, synergizing Shapeshifter's energy and sonic palette with Cook Island's traditional drums.

The single honours the rhythms of the Cook Islands; the pate drums were recorded in Rarotonga by P. Digsss’ brother and cousins about five years ago when the Shapeshifter lads became transfixed by the Cook Island rhythms on a trip to Rarotonga. At the time, there wasn’t a plan for the recordings, and they sat in the archives until the idea came up to record a Cook Island Māori song - inspired by The Waiata Anthems movement.

The vocals are in te reo Māori Kūki 'Āirani. The lyrics are a modern take on a song from Paora's childhood sung at all family celebrations from 21st birthdays to haircuttings. ‘Amokura’ is the migrational seabird representing the Pacific people's travel through the islands. The lyrics welcome the Amokura back to the island.

Listen to Shapeshifter's latest single here

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OPC - Mary Lou Raela 

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