Our Music Repertoire & Workshops

Our repertoire blends folk traditions, songs from Aotearoa, reggae, original music and storytelling into performances that connect with audiences of all ages.

WAI.TAI has performed at festivals, community events, concerts and venues throughout Aotearoa and internationally.

Whether it’s a concert, folk festival, retirement village, community event, house concert or private function, we're happy to tailor the programme to suit your audience.

Our repertoire continues to grow, so if you’re looking for something specific, please feel free to ask.

Every Performance is Different

No two performances are exactly the same.

Some audiences enjoy familiar songs and sing-alongs, some prefer music for dancing, while others enjoy quieter listening concerts, songs from Aotearoa, world music, original songs or the stories behind the music.

We’re always happy to tailor a programme to suit your audience, venue and occasion.

We Offer Workshops Too

We offer two beginner workshops that teach music "by ear" — no previous experience or music reading required.

• Māori Waiata Workshop (1.5 hours)

Learn a beautiful waiata from Aotearoa in a relaxed, supportive environment. These workshops encourage everyone to sing together, regardless of previous singing experience, and musicians are welcome to bring their instruments along.

• Beginner Ukulele Course (10 times 1 hour sessions)

A fun introduction to the ukulele for complete beginners. Participants learn to play together from the very first session, building confidence while enjoying music in a relaxed group setting.

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Folk, Country, Americana & World Music

A selection of folk, country, americana and world music such as:

• Black is the Colour

• Coo coo Bird

• Country Roads

• Grey Funnel Line

• I Know You Rider

• Julie

• Man of Constant Sorrow

• Mule on the Mount

• Rain and Snow

• Scarlett Town

• Wayfaring Stranger

• Will Ye Go Lassie Go

• You Stay Here

• … and many more

Songs From Aotearoa

A selection of traditional and contemporary songs from Aotearoa such as:

• Anei Rā

• Awhi Mai Rā e Hine

• Ehara i te Mea

• Ehara Taku Toa

• Ka Mate, Ka Mate

• Karanga e te Iwi e

• Ko Ranginui

• Ngā Iwi E

• Parihaka

• Pepeha

• Pokarekare Ana

• Purea Nei

• Te Kōkako

• Tūtira Mai Ngā Iwi

• Whiti Te Marama

• … and many more waiata from Aotearoa

Sing-Along Favourites

A selection of well-known favourites from the 1950s through to today such as:

• Banks of the Ohio

• California Dreamin’

• Don't Dream It's Over

• Dream, Dream, Dream

• Every Breath You Take

• Hit the Road Jack

• Horse With No Name

• House of the Rising Sun

• King of the Road

• Nights in White Satin

• Stand By Me

• Sweet Child O’ Mine

• Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)

• Take Me Home, Country Roads

• Ten Guitars

• True Colours

• Wake Me Up

• Where Have All the Flowers Gone?

• Wild Horses

• Wish You Were Here

• You Gotta Be

• … and many more

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Reggae Music

A selection of classic and contemporary reggae music such as:

• Bob Marley classics

• Herbs classics

• I Shot the Sheriff

• Johnny Was

• New Zealand reggae bands classics

• No Woman, No Cry

• Redemption Song

• Rua Kēnana

• Three Little Birds / Kaua e

• What’s the Time Mr Wolf

• … and many more

Original Music

A selection of original music including:

• 1,000 Greetings

• 499 (The Shipwreck of the SS Ventnor)

• Abu’s Garden Affair

• Brighter Day

• Earth + Sky

• Gotta Go On

• He Aha Rā Te Manu

• Hoea

• Lay Me Down Upon My Mountain

• Not One Acre More

• Putiputi

• Scorpion and the Frog

• South Pacific Paradise

• Tihore Chant and Song

• Tohoraha

• Tumoana

• … and new original material currently in development

Banjo & Guitar Instrumentals

A selection of instrumentals such as:

• Appalachian banjo and fiddle tunes

• Celtic tunes

• Eastern European tunes

• Middle Eastern tunes

• Old-time banjo tunes

• … and many more

Music Tailored To Your Audience

Looking for something specific?

Whether it’s familiar favourites, songs from Aotearoa, guitar or banjo instrumentals, original songs, or a blend of styles, we’re happy to work with you to create a memorable performance.

Celebrating a birthday, anniversary or special milestone? We’re also happy to include a favourite song where possible with a little advance notice.

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