Gugi Waaka

Hore Wiremu "Gugi" Waaka (c.1938 – 5 July 2014), also known as Gugi Walker, was a New Zealand musical entertainer. A guitarist and singer, he was a founding member of the Quin Tikis and the Maori Volcanics Showband.

Gugi Waaka
Birth nameHore Wiremu Waaka
Born1937/1938
Whakatane, New Zealand
OriginNew Zealand
Died (aged 76)
Auckland, New Zealand
GenresMāori show band
InstrumentsGuitar, vocals
Years active1960–2014
Associated actsQuin Tikis, Polynesian Trio, Maori Volcanics Showband, New Zealand Impacts Showband, Maori Premiers, Gugi Walker Quartet

Biography

Of Ngāti Awa and Ngāti Pūkeko descent, Waaka grew up at Poroporo, near Whakatane.[1]

After serving in the air force in the late 1950s, Waaka began his show business career[2] and was a founding member of the Quin Tikis.[3] Moving to Australia, he formed in the Polynesian Trio with his brother and sister-in-law, Nuki and Mahora Waaka, in 1961.[4][5] The trio then joined with Matti Kemp, John Clarke and Hector Epae,[6] forming the Maori Volcanics Showband in 1964.[5] Waaka left the band after a few months following a minor disagreement with Nuki.[3]

Waaka was a member of a number of other show bands, including the Maori Premiers and the New Zealand Impacts Showband, and formed the eponymous Gugi Walker Quartet.

Between 2002 and 2007 Waaka performed at the annual Aotearoa Māori Sports Awards, providing post-awards entertainment.[1]

Following his death from heart problems in July 2014, Waaka's body lay in state at Papakura Marae.[2]

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References
  1. "He aitua Maori Sports Awards loses a great friend and music legend". Māori Sports Awards. 6 July 2014. Retrieved 2 August 2014.
  2. "Showband veteran Gugi Waaka dies". Waatea News. 7 July 2014. Retrieved 2 August 2014.
  3. Peters, Mahora; George, James (2005). Showband!: Mahora and the Māori Volcanics. Wellington: Huia. p. 66. ISBN 1-86969-159-8.
  4. Barton, Warren (6 June 1997). "Volcanics set for blast from past". The Dominion. p. 9.
  5. Huata, Tama (December 2011). "Farewell to one of our icons". Waiata Magazine (2): 2. Retrieved 2 August 2014.
  6. Peters, Mahora; George, James (2005). Showband!: Mahora and the Māori Volcanics. Wellington: Huia. p. 59. ISBN 1-86969-159-8.
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