Otara reggae group Three Houses Down with singer General Fiyah [front]. PHOTO/SUPPLIED
GIANINA SCHWANECKE
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Waifest’s headline act today will include an award-winning 12-year-old singer performing with popular Auckland reggae band, Three Houses Down.
Masterton’s Queen Elizabeth Park will come alive for the annual Waitangi Day celebrations, with thousands expected to enjoy the free event, headline by Three Houses Down and General Fiyah.
Community facilities and activities manager Andrea Jackson said Waifest was a celebration of New Zealand’s bicultural heritage and Masterton’s diversity of ethnicities, cultures and age groups.
“Last year we had an estimated 5000 to 6000 people attend Waifest – we’re excited about the opportunity to build on that success with Three Houses Down and General Fiyah.”
The young General Fiyah, AKA Lotima Nicholas Pome’e, won the Best Pacific Song and People’s Choice Award at the Vodafone Pacific Music Awards last May – the youngest winner in history.
“I like music because it’s something I love to do. It makes me feel happy to sing and dance. I just like to entertain people,” he said.
Music is part of the family business with Pome’e’s father and uncle leading Three Houses Down. The group played at Tauranga’s One Love Festival last month and will appear again in March at Wellington’s Homegrown.
Wairarapa bands on the bill include Rose Red, Dead Zephrs, The Bro’s, Island Crew – Lakeview’s school band, and solo artists Jerome Lopa and Sophronia Smith.
Labour list MP Kieran McAnulty will MC the event alongside Pania Reiri Smith and Wiremu Rupapere.
Festivities from 10am-3pm, and entertainment including arts and food stalls, storytelling, giant games and other family-friendly activities.
Eventgoers are encouraged to bring their water bottles and there will be spaces for small marquees and shade umbrellas.
A free bus has been organised to transport people to the event, with stops in Martinborough [departing the BP service station bus stop at 10am], Featherston [departing the Adamson service station bus stop at 10.25am], Greytown [departing the town centre bus stop at 10.45am], and Carterton [departing the New World bus stop at 10.55am].
Seats are limited and can be organised by texting 0275873939 – providing names, passenger numbers and departure town details.
Waifest lineup
Three Houses Down and General Fiyah [headlining]
Rose Red
Dead Zephrs
The Bro’s
Island Crew- Lakeview’s School Band
Jerome Lopa- Solo Artist
Sophronia Smith- Solo Artist
Wairarapa Filipino Society
Crossway Youth- Samoan Dancers
Kallum Armstong – Michael Jackson Dancer
