New York-based Maori vocalist/songwriter, Tama Waipara's works are inspired by his native homeland of New Zealand, as well as a wealth of legendary vocalists, song stylists and balladeers; such as George Benson, Jimmy Scott, Kate Bush and Nina Simone. New York-based Maori vocalist/songwriter, Tama Waipara's works are inspired by his native homeland of New Zealand, as well as a wealth of legendary vocalists, song stylists and balladeers; such as George Benson, Jimmy Scott, Kate Bush and Nina Simone.His music infuses cosmic jazz-funk, r&b, classical, and Samba containing a rhythm that is sublime, enchanted and unique resulting in a musical blueprint that knows no boundaries.
Nobody sounds like Tama.

With Tama Waipara's upcoming Triumph of Time on ObliqSound, the New Zealand born singer/
guitarist/composer unleashes his unique musical vision.

"Music is an amazingly influential and vibrant element in my cultural background," states Tama. "The Maori are a naturalistic and genealogically-based indigenous culture steeped in the traditions of our ancestors, or 'iwi.' Our culture is based on an ancestral oral tradition rich in chanted song and percussive, rhythmic music."

Tama's Triumph of Time is where thoughts become poetry, poetry becomes verse and verse becomes song.

It is a diverse musical blueprint without borders. A fluid and eclectic foray into R&B, jazz, classical, Latin rhythms and an amalgam of exotic indigenous music from around the globe, the entire album reverberates with a candor, intensity and stirring spirituality.

The first single, "Felise" features the special touch of Atlanta-based wunderkind, producer and remixer Chris Brann (under the Ananda project moniker) and UK based Freaks, while both Shakespeare and turn-of-the century poet A.C. Swinburne are inspirations whose lyrics are featured on this lush release.

Tama has a growing European fan base following a successful UK tour that took him to such noted venues as Fabric. In the US he has garnered critical praise from his live shows in New York's Joe's Pub (at the legendary Public Theater). He has made repeated appearances on 50,000 Watt/200,000 listener Light Show on WBAI-FM in New York and in December 2003 was invited to perform live on a WBAI on air benefit that featured such musical giants as Roy Ayres and Groove Collective. His upcoming release is generating excitement both within the industry and in record buyers who pride themselves on their adventurous musical tastes.

Triumph of Time, set for release in April 2004, will take you on an aural and lyrical journey.