Strictly Acappella

Television (Full Length) – 1993

The world of Kiwi a cappella music is showcased in all it’s breadth and diversity in this 1993 documentary. After bystanders on Oriental Parade offer their thoughts on a cappella music, composer Jonathan McKeown-Green introduces the world of unaccompanied singing. The rest of the documentary showcases a wide range of a cappella performers, from barbershop to doo-wop, celtic chanting to Māori waiata. Featured are interviews and performances from Dave Dobbyn and Hinewehi Mohi, gospel workshops by Australian-based Kiwi Tony Backhouse, and a jandal and voice performance by Chris Knox.

People are trying to find their own voice, and we're getting a lot of Pacific stuff in the performances now. A lot of people are blending the culture of their own roots with what they're hearing on radio. It would be nice to think that in a few years time we're going to be hearing something that's a lot more indigenous, and I think that'll happen.
– Composer Jonathan McKeown-Green (aka John McKeown)