‘Pinching myself’: Pacific, Māori DJs showcase at Boiler Room Aotearoa 2024

The globally-recognised DJ platform returned to the shores of Aotearoa, New Zealand last weekend with a massive all-indigenous Māori and Pacific lineup.

Even for those who feel indifferent to dance music, the Boiler Room format is immediately identifiable. It features tight shots of the DJs at their turntables and a packed, enthusiastically zealous crowd behind them.

Boiler Room Tāmaki Makaurau brought together local movers and shakers in club music, including artist Seymore, Thee Bad Manawahine aka Te Kurahuia, Māori rights musical activist and advocate Mokotron, Rain and China of the Katayanagi Twins, club dominating DJ Poppa Jax, producer and mixer Caru, Atarangi, and Tāmaki Makaurau-based trio MOKOMOKAI.

Regan Foa’i, of The Morning Shack, humorously noted that given the homegrown talent involved this year, it was a missed opportunity to rename the event the “Boil Up Room”.

Entertainer, foodie, sportsman, and DJ, Seymore Harrison (Ngāpuhi), shared with NiuFm’s The Morning Shack that he is “still buzzing” from the experience.

“I’m still pinching myself. I woke up as a Boiler Room DJ today.”

“Staring outside with the sun out, I’m just feeling so grateful for the opportunity. Thank you to Pulotu Underworld and Boiler Room for putting me on.”

The Boiler Room concept originated in London in 2010, featuring a webcam taped to the wall that served as a “keyhole” to the underground dancefloor and club scene.

Now, with more than seven million subscribers on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, its visual archive has expanded to include more than 5000 artists across 200 cities worldwide.

London-based Sāmoan, Tokelauan, Mā’ohi (Tahitian) Māori, and Cape Verdean (West African) music producer and DJ, Lady Shaka, is one of the most notable pioneering dance creatives from Aotearoa.

Her viral Boiler Room debut in 2021, included Te Vaka’s Pate Pate and Dame Hinewehi Mohi’s Whakaaweawe.

“Lady Shaka is amazing! Creating this and bringing this to the Pacific for all of our people to shine.”

During his set, Seymore was joined by Onehunga hip-hop collective SWIDT and emerging Waikato artist RNZŌ, both of whom were crowd pleasers.

He mentioned that being asked to open the event was a surprise, as he had planned to play in Fiji but cleared his schedule for the night.

“I was like, ‘ok what do I do now?’

“Maybe it’s a time to put on all my family and friends that have been around for me and with me through the highs and the lows.

“SWIDT was one of them. I was like no doubt they’re gonna put on a massive show.”

When Seymore’s set concluded, his friends launched into a ground-shaking haka of Tika Tonu, which left a lasting memory on the DJ.

“I was trying to hold in my tears bro, yeah, that was amazing. It was a big privilege, a big moment too.”

While Seymore could not provide any hints about what’s next for Boiler Room Aotearoa events, he encouraged fans to stay tuned to their and Pulotu Underworld’s social media for updates.

“As much as I want to share with you guys, I can’t. There’s going to be some amazing updates coming very soon.”