HIKOHIKO (I Am The Lightning) is a DnB dance-floor Haka big floor banger, bringing the sounds of the haka and a dance music fusion of Pakōpakō, Just2Māori and Baitercell production, with helpful assistance from Brigsy and Tom Lee.
Made for peak time sets and for audiences to chant along to. It would appeal to audiences who like acts like Camo and Krooked, Blooom (Bombalaya remix), and Kanine or goes to Te Matatini. It has been a live performance favorite with the festival audiences for its take no prisoners Reese, Pakōpakō Haka dancers moves and synced visuals.
Hikohiko (I Am The Lightning) is a powerful expression of Tama-te-uira, the Māori Atua who is not simply a god who controls lightning, but is lightning itself, a living, conscious force of nature and light.
The waiata/song follows the gathering energy of an approaching storm, as hypnotic acoustic guitar and traditional mōteatea chant build tension beneath darkening skies. When the storm finally breaks, thunder, lightning and rain erupt into an explosive haka drum and bass that Pakōpakō are spearheading, unleashing the raw ihi - the spiritual power, intensity and energy of Tama-te-uira for the dancefloor.
Pakōpakō and Baitercell have multiple chart and radio successes with remixes for ‘Oro Taketake’ (Kruzi, Hori Shaw, Hohua Sta), Le Manu (Shepherds Reign), Manawa Raiona (Brutha Rodz), Never Ceded (Rei) and originals like ‘Do It Like That’ and Hoea Rā.
As a new collective, with super experienced producers and vocalists, Pakōpakō is all about making waves in Hiko, te reo Māori Dance Music, with remixes and collaborative projects in motion for 2026/2027 and taking it to the summer festival season - kicking off with Festival of Lights NYE and finishing off with WOMAD in March.