Occupation(s) Singer, entertainer Labels Parlophone Died 8 December 1953 | Years active 1926–? Associated acts Deane Waretini, Snr. Record label Parlophone | |
Albums The Great Songs of Ana Hato and Deane Waretini | ||
Ana Matawhaura Hato was a singer from New Zealand of Maori descent. She along with Deane Waretini, Snr. have the distinction of being the first vocalists to have Maori songs commercially recorded in New Zealand.
Contents
Ana hato painting revealed to wh nau for first time
Background
She was born on 30 December 1907 in Rotorua. Her father was of Ngāti Whakaue descent, and her mother was of Tuhourangi descent.
Career
Hato and her cousin Deane Waretini took music lessons from the wife of the Whakarewarewa School headmaster, Mrs Banks. Her and Waretini also sang at community gatherings, church and for tourists.
She made local history and an entry into the books, when she and Waretini in 1927 performed for the Duke and Duchess of York. She was aged 20 at this time. This performance in Rotorua was recorded by technicians from the Australian branch of Parlophone Records. The recording was achieved with small portable acoustic recording equipment.
Illness and death
She died at Rotorua on 8 December 1953 at the age of 45.
Songs
Po Atarau
Akoako O Te Rangi
May I Not Love