Taos & Messenjah

Taos are hitting the Lake Hawea Hotel as the first stop on our summer tour, and we are bringing Messenjah from the Dubwise camp with us.

The gig is just $10 on the door, so come and share a beer with us!

The band was born in 2001 on Waiheke Island with members, David Walters and Chris Leqeta, who are now based in Christchurch. The uniqueness that is the Taos sound has proved that they are an upcoming force in the New Zealand music scene.

Their captivating crossblend of Aotearoa roots / rock / reggae / dub / dancehall / d'n'b music and ability to create high-energy freestyle flows during their stage performances, always leaves the crowd wanting more...

The name TAOS came from a few things - The Art Of Sound - Try Achieve Other Styles - Trees Are Organic Sculptures and Tao a Chinese way of thinking. All these were influenced by the original MC Billy Fluid in 2001.

2005 saw the band expand with new members. Davie Walters, the original guitarist now fronts the band with vocals and keys, Chris Leqeta continued on drums ensuring the original Taos sound is heard. Aaron Flintoff on guitar, Bryce Collier on bass, Tamati Taukamo on guitar and vocals.

The boys have mesmerised crowds throughout the country with their conscious, catchy, soulful lyrics, big basslines, skanking guitar riffs, freestyle flows and crowd interaction... resulting in an unforgettable stage performance.

Taos have had the privilege to play numerous venues and festivals, from Culturefest on Waiheke Island, Dunedin Winter Solstice and the Canaan Downs Festival. They have played alongside the following talented NZ artists; Katchfire, Kora, Cornerstone Roots, Sunshine Soundsystem, Rhombus, House of Shem, UK group Overpfoof sound system and Australian group The Potbelleez to name a few. Taos have also been privileged to collaborate live on stage with MC’s and vocalists Billy Fluid (original Taos), Mana, Kp, Switch, Imon Star, P.Diggs, Antsman, Lisa T and a host of other top Kiwi musicians.