Henare Kaa

Henare ‘H’ Kaa has been in the music game for almost 10 years, touring nationally with his band Dillastrate and past band Ahoribuzz. H has toured internationally with Ben Waters and members of The Rolling Stones, and played with, recorded with, supported, and featured nationally with acts such as Katchafire, Shapeshifter, L.A.B., Sons of Zion, Tiki Taane, Anika Moa, Salmonella Dub, the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and Fat Freddy’s Drop.

H has performed at festivals, including Electric Avenue, Rhythm & Vines, Bay Dreams, Christmas in the Park, Sparks, Northern Bass, Go Live, and Super Rugby half-time shows.

Henare is an endorser of being a Māori musician with ADHD, and has delivered keynotes and talks around Aotearoa, spreading a positive outlook regarding his experience of what ADHD can do in the growth of people’s future and passions.

He was Head of Commercial Music at Rangi Ruru Girls School and had included his students in musical mahi that received nationwide recognition, including performances and interviews on TVNZ Breakfast, Radio New Zealand, the opening show of Te Pae in Ōtautahi, and recorded works featuring in two charts of the New Zealand Official Music Charts Top 10.

Henare’s band Dillastrate is currently recording a new album featuring some of NZ’s favourites including Tiki Taane and features as part of the Waiata Anthems.

Henare is also a key consultant and facilitator with the music label FiveAM (Auckland), which works with some of the biggest producers and artists to come out of Aotearoa, as well as internationally.

Apart from contracting to the Ministry of Education as a subject expert in the change of NCEA Music, Henare is a drummer, singer, producer, musical director, teacher, and band manager, but most of all he is a passionate hype man who spreads kōrero and mātauranga about resiliency, facing fears, dealing with a mental illness, and putting whānau and aroha first.