Kiwi Fest: After Dark ft. Ladi6

TAKURUA // WINTER: After Dark

Our After Dark programming is headlined by Ladi6 (NZ), New Zealand’s undisputed Queen of Hiphop/Soul and R&B.

Supported by Shottaz and Amin Payne.

After Dark is a strictly 18+, ticketed event.

TAKURUA // WINTER: Daytime

Kiwi Fest salutes the dark beauty of winter, with a respectful nod to Matariki and the winter solstice; bringing together Melbourne's New Zealand community for a very special event. Featuring World-class music and projection visuals from renowned artist Jacob Tolo, TAKURUA // WINTER's dayime programming is free and features free Kapa-Haka and Pasifika performances, cuisine and beverages from Melbourne-based performers and artisans.

Supported by the City of Melbourne and the Victorian Government.

Refund Policy - No Refunds

FAQs

How do I purchase tickets to Kiwi Fest Takurua/Winter?

Via this website, through our partners Eventbrite or at the entry to the festival (unless sold out prior). Sign up to our newsletter for ticket updates.

Can I come to the festival without a parent or guardian if I’m under 18?

Persons under the age of 18 MUST be accompanied by a parent or guardian and can only attend the Daytime event until 5pm. Under 18 attendees MUST arrive and be wristbanded with the “responsible adult” who purchased the ticket.

Is there a map and festival program?

Yes, these will be published online in the weeks prior to the event.

Is there alcohol on site and can I bring my own?

There are bars within the main arena serving both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. BYO alcohol is not permitted.

What if it rains?

Rain or shine, the show will go on! This event is inside in the beautiful Meat Market buildings so is protected from the weather.

LADI6

As a vocalist, MC and truth-teller, the consistent evolution of Ladi6 has firmly cemented her as New Zealand’s undisputed Queen of Hip-hop/Soul and R&B.

Taking shape in different forms over the years, Ladi6 today is the group project of vocalist Ladi and a trio of accomplished Kiwi producers; her husband Parks, drummer Julien Dyne and keyboardist Brandon Haru - three of New Zealand’s most innovative creators, renowned for pushing the boundaries of electronic soul music.Born and raised in Christchurch, it was a year-long family move to Tanzania that awoke Ladi’s songwriting and calling to perform. This led to the formation of her first group, the all-female Sheelahroc meaning “Women Are The Strength”, created with the aim to serve as an example for women in the traditionally male dominated world of Hip-Hop. Short-lived but truly incandescent, the group were pioneers in NZ music, with up to 8 members - all of different nationalities - at their peak.Following a move to Auckland, Ladi’s musical collaboration with Parks evolved further, with the rise of their group Verse Two - a hip-hop/soul band that achieved national success, sold out tours and supported international acts The Roots, De La Soul and 50cent. With a new direction calling, a desire to explore more experimental production and storytelling, the now-household name that is LADI6 began taking shape.

The band released Time Is Not Much, the debut album co-produced by Mu (Fat Freddy’s Drop), which introduced a series of future soul classics to the NZ vernacular, hit a Top 5 chart position and led to them being picked up by leading London indie BBE. Their follow-up LP, The Liberation Of… was released in 2010, co-produced with Blumentopf’s Sebastian Weiss, bringing to life the platinum selling single and certified NZ classic “Like Water”. In 2013, Ladi and Parks decamped to Detroit’s Studio A, where they collaborated with Detroit Hip-Hop royalty, Waajeed, who joined Executive Producer Parks at the helm on LP, Automatic, with lead single “Ikarus” confirming beyond doubt, the versatility of Ladi6 and their un-willingness to rest on what could otherwise be considered rather impressive laurels.Maintaining standards that demand they push their creativity led to the birth of 2015’s Alpha Sessions; re-imagining the studio in a live context, and then fully improvising the performance without any kind of sonic safety net.

For Ladi6 it has become a vital component in the songwriting process, clearly transporting them to their creative boundaries and beyond, which is evident on 2017’s Royal Blue 3000 EP with disruptive delights like "Guru", and "Royal Blue".With a catalogue that marks a woman whose only comfortable taking risks, the inspiring live show that Ladi6 brings is no exception to this rule. Taking the stage with a decade of world touring under her belt, her ability to connect and uplift her audience is where she thrives as frontwoman. Following tours across NZ, Australia and Europe with the likes of Erykah Badu, Jhene Aiko, Digable Planets and Fat Freddys Drop, it was supporting Gil Scott-Heron on his final UK and European tour prior to his passing - taking the stage before him at London’s prestigious Royal Albert Hall - that stands as a career highlight.Signing to Australia’s Soul Has No Tempo for management, a new album and notable collaborations in the pipeline for 2021, and permanently flanked by the fierce talent of her dancers ‘THE SIXXES’, the formidable domination of Ladi6 continues.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Meat Market, 3 Blackwood Street, North Melbourne, Australia