Dalaye Kerr-Taoho | Music / Performing Arts

Ko Mauao me Paeroa me Maungapohatu me Ruahine toku Maunga
Ko Waikaremoana me Waikato me Manawatu toku awa
Ko Tauranga toku Moana
Ko Ngati Hangarau me Ngati Pakapaka me Tamakaimoana me Te Whanau a Tauwhao toku Hapu
Ko Mataarae me Rangiwaea me Maungapohatu me Makirikiri Kaitoke Whiti te Ra toku Marae
Ko Mataarae me Te Haka o te Tupere me Tane Nui a Rangi me Aotea Tuatoru toku Wharenui
Ko Ngati Tahu Ngati Whaoa me Ngai Te Rangi me Ngati Ranginui me Ngai Tuhoe me Ngati Kahungunu ki Tamakinui a Rua toku Iwi
Ko Dalaye Jordan Waruwhakamaharatanga Kerr-Taoho ahau

Growing up with a cameraman for a dad and around the camera, I became comfortable to be myself around everyone and growing up in that industry I’ve been fortunate to have a lot of good experiences in different industries, but music caught my eyes, my interest, and my heart. I started my music journey in intermediate where I did solo singing for the reggae band, and I did my first big performing for the Tauranga Intermediate Kapa Haka group named Te Whanau o Te Maro where I competed at the regional level and at the national level at Te Mana Kura Tahi 2017 in Gisborne. But it was when I went to high school that my music interest grew, I entered Mount Maunganui College as a part of the year 9 Elite Performing Arts class as the only instrumental musician, but it was in year 9 that I meet Joel Shadbolt and started picking his brain for music knowledge. In year 10 I meet and formed my old band ‘Kofe Table, we played every chance we could get an even featured in the Mount Maunganui College 2020 School Album with our single ‘Future’. In Year 12 I meet Francis Kora who has taken me under his wing, Fran has taught me the business side of music whilst allowing me to be a part of his band ‘Kora’ by being at their concerts, rehearsal sessions, and being in the studio with them whilst they record. Recently I lead the Mount Maunganui College kapa haka group at the Mataatua regional which scored me a chance to be in Tutarakauika ki Rangataua who are performing at Te Matatini Nationals in Auckland. Through all this, I’ve continued to be myself whether I’m on the National Haka stage or in the pub playing for reggae lovers I strive to be the creative, energetic, and zestful person that I’ve always been.