Hikoikoi

Hikoikoi Bio 2009 

Hikoikoi are an original 6 piece reggae-soul-roots group based in Petone, whose sound is currently spreading through the hearts and minds of Aotearoa.

Hikoikoi have played many festivals in the last three years including Wellington’s One Love festival, The Parihaka Peace Festival, The Cuba Street Carnival and The Jackson Street Fiesta. Summer 2008 saw them complete a tour of the North Island and perform on some of the greatest stages in New Zealand alongside the likes of The Black Seeds and Cornerstone Roots.

2008 saw the release of three singles for Hikoikoi - Vibraphone, Jah Armour, and Too Hot to Work.

Their Debut Album is due for nationwide release in June 2009 with Border Music       

The Music

The sound of Hikoikoi reflects the imaginations of Paul Wickham (lead vocals, guitar), James Coyle (keyboards), Ben Wood (rhythm) – Maz Herman (guitar and brass) Mara Tk ( Bass) and Jessie Moss (Backing Vocals). Their live show is powerful and energising, with the group giving a tight and vibrant performance.

Hikoikoi’s original sound is a marriage of skill and passion portraying an organic fusion of earthy beats and grooves, and lots of harmonic interplay. Their jazz flavoured beats create a groovy twist of Reggae/ Dub and electronica, difficult to stand still to. The songs have positive conscious messages, and a strong, deep rhythm. Their uniquely strong signature vocals showcase that Hikoikoi live and believe and feel their music. The music pulls on themes from early gospel roots reggae, blended with sole funk applications which works well in intimate settings as well as outdoor festivals. Hikoikois’ music is fresh and original yet spurs on something inside us all which is easy to relate to. They are tight and melodic group whose music is fresh and righteous.

Hikoikoi’s linear jams and driving grooves are a direct calling for listeners to act on their consciousness of our world. Like the words in one of their songs say “ maybe your rhythm be black, maybe your rhythm be white, but in the end I know we will unite.”

 Band Members

James Coyle

James Coyle, aka, Reverend Black Keys is a hard line reggae fan, a trained pianist and a piano/organ collector. Hailing from the South Island, James brings a eclectic mix of classical piano training, electronic keyboard sounds and orchestral styles and a studied feel to the rhythm and melodies of Hikoikoi. His drawing technique expresses the naturality of the music, the grass roots of the message, and the colour of hope.

Ben Wood

With a Jazz background Ben enjoys the responsibility of driving Hikoikoi’s grooves from behind the drum kit, and maintaining the progressive nature of Hikoikoi’s sound from a compositional angle.

Paul Wickham

Paul has a music career spanning over 15 years, ranging from Rock to Roots. His song-writing skills blend a fusion of dub and reggae whilst his empowering vocal sound is unique, powerful and hard hitting. Paul has remained a consistently active lead vocalist and passionate song writer, and also manages Sound Reserve Aotearoa Studios where Hikoikoi have recorded their debut album.

Jessie Moss

Jessie bring a folk feminine twist to the vocals of Hikoikoi. A songwriter and performer in her own right, Jessie studied vocals at the Christchurch Jazz School and is also one half of folk duo "Harriet and the Matches" who released their debut album 'Wandering Paths' this year. In 2007 Jessie collaborated with Age Pryor, Jess Chambers and Justin Firefly Clarke for a series of folk concerts and also plays with James Coyle, Tim and Ryan Prebble (of Spartacus R) and Michael Kane, in Jessie James and the Outlaws.

Maz Hermon

Maz Hermon is a Whangarei born musician living in Wellington, focusing on vocals, trombone, and guitar, Maz is busy with several musical projects including Hikoikoi and ROY G and the BIVinators. Maz has spent time in the Whangarei Youth Music Concerts Band, touring internationally as lead trombonist in his younger days. More recently he has studied at the New Zealand School of Music studying jazz performance. Maz takes his role as musician and artist seriously and devotes his fulltime and energy to the arts for the good of the wider community.

Mara TK

Mara Tk plays bass and sings with Hikoikoi. Pacific Heights, Blackseeds, Om’mas Keith, Muhsinah, Jake One, Steve Spacek and Julien Dyne are just a few of the people who Mara also plays with. A Redbull Music Academy 2007 participant, this vocalist/guitarist / turntablist and producer, is regarded as one of New Zealand’s most promising talents.

Manager: Leanne Wickham

Leanne Wickham is a professional event organiser who currently works as an Event and Exhibition Developer at TheNewDowse. With over ten years experience in managing events, including large audience events such as  The Jackson Street Carnival, Leanne brings a wealth of experience in logistics, project management, venue liaison, and marketing and communications skills to manage Hikoikoi.