Wai

This explosive vocal group from New Zealand, bursts into the planet Ordway Target season with its potent blend of ancient influence and modern experimentation. The trio hails from Aotearoa, New Zealand and performs entirely in their indigenous language of Maori. Wai enhances their vocals with unusually organic rhythms made of body-slapping, synthesized heartbeats, and breathing to create a one-of-a-kind musical dynamic that has astounded audiences and critics alike. Wai (the Maori word for water) has been making waves in the international music world for years, and received two nominations for BBC World Music Awards in 2002.