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| '''Mema Wilda''' is a New Zealand-based folk and rock singer. Her brand of music has been described as ] and ]. She is also a New Zealand ] winner. | '''Mema Wilda''' is a New Zealand-based folk and rock singer. Her brand of music has been described as ] and ]. She is also a New Zealand ] winner. Her brother is Samoan-born rocker, ]. | ||
| ==Background== | ==Background== | ||
| Wilda is originally from Samoa. Her birth name is Vaimoana Tumema Sesega. She started out singing at family functions and then later weddings and Sāmoan functions. In 2017, she moved from Samoa to ]. She also spent some time in ].<ref>''The Spinoff'', September 19, 2022 - </ref> | Wilda is originally from Samoa. Her birth name is Vaimoana Tumema Sesega. She started out singing at family functions and then later weddings and Sāmoan functions. In 2017, she moved from Samoa to ] (Auckland, New Zealand). She also spent some time in ].<ref>''The Spinoff'', September 19, 2022 - </ref> | ||
| She has performed on state with her brother Levi Sesega aka Michael Sesega.<ref>Times.co.nz, August 22, 2024 - </ref> | |||
| As of late 2023 she was fronting the band Wilda which has been described as having mainly a psychedelic-folk and rock sound.<ref>Radio Hauraki, 6 September 2023 - </ref> | As of late 2023 she was fronting the band Wilda which has been described as having mainly a psychedelic-folk and rock sound.<ref>Radio Hauraki, 6 September 2023 - </ref> | ||
| ==Career== | ==Career== | ||
| ===2010s=== | |||
| ⚫ | In 2019, |
||
| Mema Wilda performed the song "Pese o le tatau" which was commissioned for the 2018 documentary film '']'', a film about Pacific female indigenous tattoos. The film which was produced and directed by Lisa Taouma was apparently the first film to cover the subject.<ref>NZ on Screen - </ref><ref>Digital Pasifik - </ref> | |||
| Also in 2018, Wilda was booked to appear in a double bill with brother Levi Sesega on 7 October at the Vic in Devonport, Auckland.<ref>''Channel Magazine'', Issue 92 October 2018 - </ref>.<ref>''Channel Magazine'', Issue 92 October 2018 - </ref> | |||
| On 23 March 2019, Wilda was part of the Levi Lights on Project and Mema Wilda bill at the Leigh Sawmill Cafe in Auckland. Their performance was reviewed by Mike Thornton of ''Ambient Lights''. Thornton said that they demonstrated wonderful song making skills and the commanding control that they had over their instruments. The crystal clarity and accuracy of their performances was also noted. He also said that Wilda had a soft psychedelic and euphoric sense to her delivery. One of the songs that Wilda performed was the ] song "]". He said it was glorious, slow sad and sweet.<ref>''Ambient Light'', 25 Mar 2019 - </ref> | |||
| ⚫ | In 2019, Wilda recorded the song "Blue" which was recorded at Black Dog Recording Studio and produced by Mitch French. Her debut single, it was set for release on 15 August that year.<ref>MMF Aoteroa, 8 Aug 2019 - </ref> | ||
| ===2020s=== | |||
| Wilda released the single "How I Long" in 2021.<ref>''The Spinoff'', September 19, 2022 - </ref> It was reviewed by Ben Reugg of MNZ. Giving it five stars, he noted the emotion in Wilda's vocals and the good production. He said that he could be happy to listen to it over and over.<ref>MNZ, 21 Jan, 2021 - </ref> It was also reviewed by Jane Howkins of ''York Calling''. Howkins said that the single was quite poppy and had an incredibly raw and emotional feeling that was missing in a lot of pop music. She also noted the stunning melody.<ref>''York Calling'', 26/01/2021 - </ref> | Wilda released the single "How I Long" in 2021.<ref>''The Spinoff'', September 19, 2022 - </ref> It was reviewed by Ben Reugg of MNZ. Giving it five stars, he noted the emotion in Wilda's vocals and the good production. He said that he could be happy to listen to it over and over.<ref>MNZ, 21 Jan, 2021 - </ref> It was also reviewed by Jane Howkins of ''York Calling''. Howkins said that the single was quite poppy and had an incredibly raw and emotional feeling that was missing in a lot of pop music. She also noted the stunning melody.<ref>''York Calling'', 26/01/2021 - </ref> | ||
| Wilda was booked to appear at the Tuning Fork, an Auckland venue on 18 June 2021, Wilda was the opening act for the show that was headlined by Sam Bartells and Albi and the Wolves.<ref>''Scoop'', Monday, 19 April 2021, 4:11 pm - </ref> Accompanied by Sam Stretch who played guitar, cajon and bass on different songs, she went through an acoustic set that was described by ''Melodic Magazine'' reviewer Maggie Cocco as "awkward, humorous, and ultimately endearing". The atmospheric and sultry effect of the TC vocal harmonizer was noted. Cocco noted that it was in the early days of Wilda's career and that it was exciting to think where she will go.<ref>''Melodic Magazine'', June 26, 2021 - </ref> |
Wilda was booked to appear at the Tuning Fork, an Auckland venue on 18 June 2021, Wilda was the opening act for the show that was headlined by Sam Bartells and Albi and the Wolves.<ref>''Scoop'', Monday, 19 April 2021, 4:11 pm - </ref> Accompanied by Sam Stretch who played guitar, cajon and bass on different songs, she went through an acoustic set that was described by ''Melodic Magazine'' reviewer Maggie Cocco as "awkward, humorous, and ultimately endearing". The atmospheric and sultry effect of the TC vocal harmonizer was noted. Cocco noted that it was in the early days of Wilda's career and that it was exciting to think where she will go.<ref>''Melodic Magazine'', June 26, 2021 - </ref> | ||
| On 18 December 2021, Wilda won first prize in the 2021 ] event.<ref>NZ Musician - </ref> | On 18 December 2021, Wilda won first prize in the 2021 ] event.<ref>NZ Musician - </ref> | ||
| In April 2023, Wilda and her band were booked to open for ] at the ] in Auckland. Her single "Going Wild" was also being released. She was also interviewed by ] which was published on 9 April 2023.<ref>RNZ, 9 April 2023 - </ref> | In April 2023, Wilda and her band were booked to open for ] at the ] in Auckland. Her single "Going Wild" was also being released. She was also interviewed by ] which was published on 9 April 2023.<ref>RNZ, 9 April 2023 - </ref> | ||
| ===="Going Wild"==== | |||
| "Going Wild" was reviewed by Kev Rowland of House of Prog Radio who have it 10 out of 10. Rowland had noticed a change in her music and with the single, he said that it was a nice chugging rock number. He also noted the quality of Greg Haver's production. He finished off with a question of "when do we get the album?".<ref>House of Prog Radio, Apr 10, 2023 - </ref> | |||
| In a review of Larkin Poe's performance by Marty Duda of 13th Floor, Duda said that she was more than capable of warming up the crowd and she knew how to take command of the stage. Her powerful vocals and moves were also noted. Wilda performed her song "Going Wild" and "You Want it Darker", a ] composition.<ref>13th Floor, April 14, 2023 - </ref> | In a review of Larkin Poe's performance by Marty Duda of 13th Floor, Duda said that she was more than capable of warming up the crowd and she knew how to take command of the stage. Her powerful vocals and moves were also noted. Wilda performed her song "Going Wild" and "You Want it Darker", a ] composition.<ref>13th Floor, April 14, 2023 - </ref> | ||
| ====Further activities==== | |||
| As of September 2023, her band which is called Wilda was made up of herself on guitar and lead vocal, Kento Mori on lead guitar, Shellita Goldsmith on drums, Mitch French on bass and additional vocalist Hariata Makiha.<ref>Radio Hauraki, 6 September 2023 - </ref> | As of September 2023, her band which is called Wilda was made up of herself on guitar and lead vocal, Kento Mori on lead guitar, Shellita Goldsmith on drums, Mitch French on bass and additional vocalist Hariata Makiha.<ref>Radio Hauraki, 6 September 2023 - </ref> | ||
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| ==References== | ==References== | ||
| {{reflist}} | {{reflist}} | ||
| ==External links== | |||
| * Mema Wilda - Topic, Jan 21, 2021 - | |||
| * Wilda Topic channel, Apr 7, 2023 - | |||
| * kiwi rocker channel, Jul 14, 2019 - | |||
| {{DEFAULTSORT:Wilda, Mema}} | {{DEFAULTSORT:Wilda, Mema}} | ||
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Revision as of 05:38, 6 January 2025
| Mema Wilda | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Vaimoana Tumema Sesega |
| Born | Samoa |
| Genres | Folk, rock, pop, psyechedelic |
| Occupation | Musician |
| Member of | Wilda |
Mema Wilda is a New Zealand-based folk and rock singer. Her brand of music has been described as folk and psychedelic. She is also a New Zealand Battle of the Bands winner. Her brother is Samoan-born rocker, Levi Sesega.
Background
Wilda is originally from Samoa. Her birth name is Vaimoana Tumema Sesega. She started out singing at family functions and then later weddings and Sāmoan functions. In 2017, she moved from Samoa to Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland, New Zealand). She also spent some time in New York City.
She has performed on state with her brother Levi Sesega aka Michael Sesega.
As of late 2023 she was fronting the band Wilda which has been described as having mainly a psychedelic-folk and rock sound.
Career
2010s
Mema Wilda performed the song "Pese o le tatau" which was commissioned for the 2018 documentary film Marks of Mana, a film about Pacific female indigenous tattoos. The film which was produced and directed by Lisa Taouma was apparently the first film to cover the subject.
Also in 2018, Wilda was booked to appear in a double bill with brother Levi Sesega on 7 October at the Vic in Devonport, Auckland..
On 23 March 2019, Wilda was part of the Levi Lights on Project and Mema Wilda bill at the Leigh Sawmill Cafe in Auckland. Their performance was reviewed by Mike Thornton of Ambient Lights. Thornton said that they demonstrated wonderful song making skills and the commanding control that they had over their instruments. The crystal clarity and accuracy of their performances was also noted. He also said that Wilda had a soft psychedelic and euphoric sense to her delivery. One of the songs that Wilda performed was the Dolly Parton song "Jolene". He said it was glorious, slow sad and sweet.
In 2019, Wilda recorded the song "Blue" which was recorded at Black Dog Recording Studio and produced by Mitch French. Her debut single, it was set for release on 15 August that year.
2020s
Wilda released the single "How I Long" in 2021. It was reviewed by Ben Reugg of MNZ. Giving it five stars, he noted the emotion in Wilda's vocals and the good production. He said that he could be happy to listen to it over and over. It was also reviewed by Jane Howkins of York Calling. Howkins said that the single was quite poppy and had an incredibly raw and emotional feeling that was missing in a lot of pop music. She also noted the stunning melody.
Wilda was booked to appear at the Tuning Fork, an Auckland venue on 18 June 2021, Wilda was the opening act for the show that was headlined by Sam Bartells and Albi and the Wolves. Accompanied by Sam Stretch who played guitar, cajon and bass on different songs, she went through an acoustic set that was described by Melodic Magazine reviewer Maggie Cocco as "awkward, humorous, and ultimately endearing". The atmospheric and sultry effect of the TC vocal harmonizer was noted. Cocco noted that it was in the early days of Wilda's career and that it was exciting to think where she will go.
On 18 December 2021, Wilda won first prize in the 2021 Battle of the Bands event.
In April 2023, Wilda and her band were booked to open for Larkin Poe at the Powerstation in Auckland. Her single "Going Wild" was also being released. She was also interviewed by Radio New Zealand which was published on 9 April 2023.
"Going Wild"
"Going Wild" was reviewed by Kev Rowland of House of Prog Radio who have it 10 out of 10. Rowland had noticed a change in her music and with the single, he said that it was a nice chugging rock number. He also noted the quality of Greg Haver's production. He finished off with a question of "when do we get the album?".
In a review of Larkin Poe's performance by Marty Duda of 13th Floor, Duda said that she was more than capable of warming up the crowd and she knew how to take command of the stage. Her powerful vocals and moves were also noted. Wilda performed her song "Going Wild" and "You Want it Darker", a Leonard Cohen composition.
Further activities
As of September 2023, her band which is called Wilda was made up of herself on guitar and lead vocal, Kento Mori on lead guitar, Shellita Goldsmith on drums, Mitch French on bass and additional vocalist Hariata Makiha.
In August 2024, Wilda and Michael Levin Sesega were part of the "Wilde and Wilda" show that was held at the Uxbridge Arts and Culture venue.
References
- The Spinoff, September 19, 2022 - The wild ride of Mema Wilda By Sela Jane Hopgood
- Times.co.nz, August 22, 2024 - New musical platform provides bridge for singer-songwriters
- Radio Hauraki, 6 September 2023 - Wilda - Going Wild
- NZ on Screen - Marks of Mana
- Digital Pasifik - Pese o le tatau
- Channel Magazine, Issue 92 October 2018 - Page 3 Levi Live at the Vic; Levi Sesega and Mema Wilda, The Vic, Devonport, 6-9pm
- Channel Magazine, Issue 92 October 2018 - Page 18 Live Shows and Special Events, Levi Sesega & Mema Wilda - Sun 7 Oct, 6:00pm Central Auuckland brother and sister double bill;
- Ambient Light, 25 Mar 2019 - Levi Lights On Project & Mema Wilda - 23rd March 2019. Leigh Sawmill Café, Auckland, New Zealand. Review and Photography by Mike Thornton
- MMF Aoteroa, 8 Aug 2019 - Mema Wilda 'Blue'
- The Spinoff, September 19, 2022 - The wild ride of Mema Wilda By Sela Jane Hopgood
- MNZ, 21 Jan, 2021 - Mema Wilda - Single Review: How I Long By Ben Reugg
- York Calling, 26/01/2021 - Reviews, Discovery: Mema Wilda By Jane Howkins
- Scoop, Monday, 19 April 2021, 4:11 pm - A Celebration Of Alt-Rock And Indie-folk
- Melodic Magazine, June 26, 2021 - Sam Bartells, Albi and the Wolves, and Mema Wilda in Auckland, NZ By: Maggie Cocco
- NZ Musician - News, Mema Wilda Wins 2021 Battle Of The Bands
- RNZ, 9 April 2023 - Music, Mema Wilda: My Latest Track
- House of Prog Radio, Apr 10, 2023 - Reviews, Wilda: Going Wild (2023) single by Kev Rowland
- 13th Floor, April 14, 2023 - Larkin Poe – Powerstation: April 13, 2023 - Marty Duda
- Radio Hauraki, 6 September 2023 - Wilda - Going Wild
- Times.co.nz, August 31, 2024 - The Bridge: A harmony of music and family
External links
- Mema Wilda - Topic, Jan 21, 2021 - How I Long
- Wilda Topic channel, Apr 7, 2023 - Going Wild
- kiwi rocker channel, Jul 14, 2019 - Levi Lights On Project ft Mema Wilder at Navara Lounge