Horomona Horo (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Porou, Taranaki), one of Aotearoa’s most recognized taonga pūoro practitioners, has been honored as an Arts Laureate.
A masterful composer and musician, Horo is celebrated for his expertise in traditional Māori musical instruments and his collaborations across genres, including classical, operatic, choral, pop, and hip-hop, with artists such as Kiri te Kanawa and Moana and the Tribe.
The term taonga pūoro translates to ‘singing treasures’ and has been revitalized through the efforts of Horo’s mentors, including Brian Flintoff, Hirini Melbourne, Richard Nunns, and Hinewirangi Kohu. “They re-invigorated this practice that was nearly lost to our people,” Horo shared with Music101’s Charlotte Ryan.
Horo explained how the Tohunga Suppression Act of 1907 suppressed many cultural practices, halting the transmission of traditional knowledge. It wasn’t until the 1970s and 1980s, led by figures like Hirini, Richard, and Brian, that the practice of musical healing began to resurface.
Having grown up with limited knowledge of his Māori heritage and traditional instruments, Horo’s passion ignited during the fifth World Indigenous Youth Conference in 1998. “I was told to pick up a conch shell and play it, which led me to discover all these other instruments. It resonated with me in a way that nothing else had,” he recalled.
“My background was in hip hop, and when I encountered taonga pūoro, it moved me emotionally. Certain melodies made me cry, and I’d notice birds responding to the sounds I created. It was a magical experience, and I was captivated from that moment on.”
Receiving the phone call informing him of his new status as an Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi Laureate left him “lost for words and a bit emotional.” He described holding the laureate award as “surreal” and a significant recognition of his artistic journey.
“It’s a wonderful acknowledgment that I can share with my kids, especially considering the countless times I’ve sacrificed family time for my art. I played taonga pūoro to their mother while she was pregnant, often speaking to her womb more than to her.”
Horo aims to pave the way for future generations of artists to gain recognition in the music industry. He noted that while taonga pūoro is often viewed as merely an accompaniment in various musical genres, it deserves greater acknowledgment.
“In Aotearoa New Zealand, we see categories for country, heavy metal, rock, reggae, hip hop, and R&B, but taonga pūoro is typically absent from these classifications. I’ve collaborated with artists across all these genres, advocating for the recognition of taonga pūoro in the music community.
“When emerging taonga pūoro musicians and composers see their art acknowledged, it fosters long-term visionary goals. Being an Arts Laureate is part of that journey, demonstrating to the next generation that they can succeed in this space.”
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