COAST presents some of the best musicians in Aotearoa each week on Maori Television from 9pm on Thursdays at the channel's Newmarket-based studios. The show is also FREE AND OPEN to the public for an hour and a half's pure listening pleasure, peppered with the streetwise field links from new roving reporter Taaz.

Meet Brent Mio, Kara Rickard and Taaz - the three fresh presenters coming at you LIVE every Thursday night from the COAST studios. The series kicked off with hip hop extraordinaire Savage rolling up in his custom limo and the next 30-odd episodes are promising to keep the bling bling rolling.
COAST presents some of the best musicians in Aotearoa each week on Maori Television from 9pm on Thursdays at the channel's Newmarket-based studios. The show is also FREE AND OPEN to the public for an hour and a half's pure listening pleasure, peppered with the streetwise field links from new roving reporter Taaz.

Meet Brent Mio, Kara Rickard and Taaz - the three fresh presenters coming at you LIVE every Thursday night from the COAST studios. The series kicked off with hip hop extraordinaire Savage rolling up in his custom limo and the next 30-odd episodes are promising to keep the bling bling rolling.
Brent Mio is a seasoned music host after fronting the first series of COAST and holding court on Mai FM's morning breakfast show. A man with his finger on the pulse when it comes to all things musical, Brent enthuses on his return to Maori Television's urban live music series and what he brings to the show.

The Te Teko old boy's musical influences extend from the Motown classics right through to "Uncle Bob and the Wailers" and beyond to modern hip hop soldiers like Busta Rhymes, 50 Cent and Eminem. But, you won't catch him taking the stage any time soon!

"I returned because I had such a great time last year with all the different types of people we met (but I must say this as part of my contract). I'm just a pork bone and kanga piro eating Hori at heart!"

Speaking of horis - the immeasurable Taaz has been recruited to bring to Maori Television viewers the word from the streets in a series of exclusive field reports. Taaz is a former original member of pioneering New Zealand hip hop crew Dam Native and currently swings his new reporting role with recording for his current gig, No Artificial Flavours. His insiders' know-how is unrivalled as he brings viewers to the forefront to the movers and shakers in Aotearoa music today.

A champion of New Zealand sounds since day one, Taaz says measure of what constitutes a good vibe is straightforward : "I like all music that I can feel in my toes. If my toes don't feel it, I'm not feeling it!"

Taaz has ambitions for his first year on COAST : "My role will entail all sorts of crazy stunts, reviews, some interviewing, checking out gigs and events. I just want to do everything that Coast as to offer. From the front to the back to the left to the right and everything in between. Leave no stone unturned. Bring it!"

While the COAST lads battle for hori supremacy, the lady of the show - new presenter Kara Rickard - is holding down the te reo Maori element in full force. The granddaughter of Raglan activist Eva Rickard, Kara has made her debut as a television host coming off the back of working at Auckland-based production company Butobase.

"I've been working in the television industry behind the camera for the past year, and I thought it might be fun to step in front of one. After watching Coast last year, I knew the role would be fun with a few challenges thrown in the mix," she says.

Also, Kara is one of the youngest female kyokushin black belts in Aotearoa and brings spunk, energy and a penchant for fine music to this season's line-up on COAST.

"I'm really passionate about music and I want to share this enthusiasm with viewers. I'd also like to see Coast become a show that not only promotes music, but also uses te reo Maori in a fun and engaging way. It's important to promote te reo Maori in a contemporary context so that rangatahi can relate to it," she adds.

So far, COAST has seen a dazzling beginning to the series including performances from soul funk specialists Open Souls, fresh MCs Tyna and JB and Christchurch's guitar-based outfit Heavy Jones Trio.

Coming up on Thursday April 28, the show is pleased to announce its first Roots Reggae Special of the year, featuring the return of Che Fu in a long-awaited live performance before he drops his new album, Che's Dad Tigi Ness, The Twelve Tribes of Israel, Auckland original roots reggae band The Midnights and the multi-talented Blaque Reign with Jahlicious.

COAST calls all viewers to the dance floor at Maori Television's studios, located at 9-15 Davis Crescent, Newmarket, Auckland. Join Brent, Kara and Taaz every Thursday night from 9.00 PM.

COAST : WAEWAE TAKAHIA
MUSIC TO MOVE THE PEOPLE

Thursday April 28

COAST showcases its first live music special of the year with a coup of extraordinary talent in New Zealand's roots and reggae scene. The special welcomes the return of Che Fu in his first live performance for a long time, and his dad Tigi Ness who will perform with The Twelve Tribes of Israel. The special also features premier Auckland original roots reggae band The Midnights and the multi-talented Blaque Reign with Jahlicious. Lively up yourself!

Thursday May 5

Featuring rock pop gurus Tadpole, phat hip hop crew C.I and riveting solo artist Trinity.

Thursday May 12

Featuring raggedly beautiful rock'n'roll four-piece Payola and Rhythm Nation 2004 winner Bennett with his smooth-as-chocolate RnB vocals.