Story of Pōpō - 1975

Rights Information
Reference
43759
Media type
Audio
Ask about this item

Ask to use material, get more information or tell us about an item

Rights Information
Reference
43759
Media type
Audio
Categories
Māori radio programs
Radio programs
Sound recordings
Duration
00:13:25
Taonga Māori Collection
Yes
Credits
RNZ Collection
Kerekere, Wiremu Kīngi, 1923-2001, Speaker/Kaikōrero
Waihīrere (Cultural group), Performer

Broadcaster Wiremu Kerekere explains the lullaby or oriori called "Pōpō" composed by Enoka Te Pakaru. Then chant number 145 in Ngā Moteatea, Book Two, collected by Sir Apirana Ngata and translated by Dr Pei Te Hurinui Jones.

An excerpt of a performance of the chant by the Waihirere group is heard. Enoka Te Pakaru was from the Aitanga-a-Māhaki and Rongowhakaata tribes of Turanganui-a-Kiwa [Gisborne].

The main theme is about the origin of the kūmara as a food source and how it was brought from Hawaiki to Gisborne. Wiremu Kerekere translates the lyrics of "Pōpō" into English and ends the programme with a version sung by elders from Tairāwhiti, recorded in the early 1950s.