Standing on the Museum rooftop with Auckland's night skyline behind them, rapper Raiza Biza and vocalist Bianca Paulus deliver their performance of 'Get By'.
This one-of-a-kind performance is the first time a live band has been allowed on the Museum’s roof - usually a restricted area - and the four cameras used to shoot the event capture some stunning, rarely seen views of the city.
Near perfect conditions on the night create an incredible backdrop and Raiza Biza's lyrics seem to flow out over the city below with the help of Bianca's soulful voice, and Victoria Kelly (vocals, Fender Rhodes piano), Mike Hall (double bass), and Crime Heat (electronic beats).
The session was recorded live by Radio New Zealand’s Andre Upston who used specially positioned microphones to capture ambient sound from the surrounding Domain to use in the track.
Introducing Raiza Biza and Bianca Paulus
A self-described 'world citizen', Raiza Biza came to New Zealand via Rwanda, Zaire, Zambia, and South Africa, and his blend of sharp, perceptive lyrics and flowing beats have seen his profile build.
He dropped his debut, full-length album Dream Something in 2012 and has continued to impress with subsequent albums Summer, The Imperfectionist and this year’s Day & Night.
Critics have praised Raiza's lyrical versatility and multi-syllabic rhyme constructs, describing him as an artist who 'values skill and consistency over trend'.
Raiza has collaborated with a line-up of talented artists and producers including Crime Heat, Jay Knight and Soulchef. He has performed at international and local venues including opening for Six60 on their national tour.
Bianca Paulus is the lead vocalist of the globally minded ensemble musical group Weird Together, created by Dick Johnson and Nick Dwyer. Earlier this year Weird Together launched their single 'Ready for This' which attracted over one million streams.
Bianca, who will perform with Weird Together at Rhythm and Alps later this year, has been described as a 'dynamic performer' and says her eclectic musical tastes reflect her multicultural heritage.
Raiza credits his collaboration with Bianca on 'Get By' with helping him overcome a period of writer's block - watch the interview to learn more about the song and the inspiration behind Raiza's music.
Following the release of his latest album Day & Night, Raiza has just completed an international tour - The Day & Night Tour - taking in venues in the Netherlands, Germany and England, and finishing closer to home with Wellington, Auckland, Hawkes Bay and his former hometown, Hamilton.
During his international tour Raiza also performed his track 'Wassup' from Day & Night for international digital music magazine Colors Berlin, which features select live performances from hip hop, soul, pop and indie artists.
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