Aaron Tokona
Birth nameAaron Arana Tokona
Also known asAHoriBuzz
Born(1975-10-28)28 October 1975
Tauranga, New Zealand
Died (aged 44)
GenresRock, dub, funk, folk rock
Occupation(s)Musician, songwriter
Instrument(s)Vocals, guitar
Years active1990s–2020
LabelsLoop

Aaron Arana Tokona (28 October 1975 – 20 June 2020)[1] was a New Zealand guitarist and singer.

Tokona was descended from Ngāi Te Rangi and Ngāti Maniapoto. This heritage played a significant role in his upbringing through his grandparents, who were well versed in Māoritanga, and inspired him as a performer after seeing other Māori artists, such as Billy T James and Prince Tui Teka.[2] Tokona grew up in Naenae, Lower Hutt and attending Naenae College. It was while attending the school, that he took part in the Smokefree Rockquest that help launch his musical career.[3]

He performed as AHoriBuzz and was part of bands Weta, Cairo Knife Fight, Bongmaster and Fly My Pretties, and collaborated with some of New Zealand's most noted musicians.[4][5][6][7]

Tokona died on 20 June 2020 after suffering a heart attack at home. He had one daughter.[1][2]

Death

Tokona's death was announced on 20 June 2020, following a sudden heart attack. The news was met with an outpouring of condolences from former bandmates, figures in the music industry and other New Zealand personalities. Partner of Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Clarke Gayford, described Tokona as a "wild, crazy, fruity, explosion of a frontman with a bottomless pit of talent", while former music industry executive Morgan Donoghue described him as "the sweetest guy and the most masterful guitarist."[2] New Zealand band Unknown Mortal Orchestra said that Tokona had an "unforgettable energy", while Stuff music editor Vicki Anderson described him as a "big-hearted, beautiful man with a flair for the flamboyant."[8]

References

  1. 1 2 Vicki, Anderson (27 June 2020). "Obituary: Aaron Tokona - charismatic musician was a star on any stage". Stuff. Archived from the original on 22 July 2020. Retrieved 22 July 2020.
  2. 1 2 3 "Kiwi singer and guitarist Aaron Tokona has died". The New Zealand Herald. 20 June 2020. Retrieved 21 June 2020.
  3. ↑ "Kiwi musician Aaron Tokona, of Weta and Fly My Pretties fame, has died". Stuff. 20 June 2020. Retrieved 22 July 2021.
  4. ↑ "Aaron Tokana". nzmusician.co.nz/. Retrieved 25 February 2017.
  5. ↑ "AhoriBuzz is the psychedelic brain child of musical genius Aaron Tokona". Nelson Mail. 24 July 2015. Retrieved 25 February 2017.
  6. ↑ "Aaron Tokona: music, mental illness, and minigolf". Radio NZ. Retrieved 25 February 2017.
  7. ↑ Jenkin, Lydia (11 September 2015). "Aaron Tokona: I can just be me". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 25 February 2017.
  8. ↑ Vicki, Anderson (21 June 2020). "Aaron Tokona - national musical treasure and a beautiful friend". Stuff. Retrieved 24 June 2020.


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