Jerome Kavanagh Poutama (Puoro Jerome), is a Grammy Award-winning Taonga Puoro Māori practitioner, composer, and artist recognized for his transformative impact on contemporary music through the revitalization of Taonga Puoro. He connects the traditional sounds of Māori culture with modern musical landscapes, creating rich and immersive experiences for listeners.


Jerome’s notable contributions to the two-time Grammy Award-winning album Calling All Dawns include serving as a featured artist, lyricist, and co-composer on the track “Kia Hora te Marino,” performed by the London Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at the iconic Abbey Road Studios. His collaborative efforts span a diverse range of artists, including Christopher Tin, Moana and the Tribe, Kevin Mark Trail (The Streets, UK) and Daniel Beddingfield, showcasing his versatility and ability to blend different musical styles.


In film and television, Jerome has made significant contributions as the main composer for the feature film I am the River, The River is Me (2024), which features a unique Taonga Pūoro score. He also co-composed for the acclaimed series Rūrangi (2022), which received an International Emmy Award, as well as for The Dead Lands (2020), further demonstrating his range as a composer and storyteller.


His albums, including ORO ATUA - Tangaroa a Roto (2023) and ORO ATUA Puoro Māori (2017), reflect his dedication to blending traditional Māori music with contemporary themes. In early 2022, he launched the ORO ATUA KI TE AO podcast, which explores the healing properties of Taonga Puoro in modern contexts, engaging listeners in a dialogue about the cultural significance of these traditional instruments.


With extensive international touring, Jerome has captivated audiences at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Sydney Opera House, highlighting the global resonance of Taonga Puoro and its ability to transcend cultural boundaries.


Jerome actively collaborates with his partner, Ruiha Turner, spearheading the revival of Taonga Puoro as rongoā. They lead the ORO ATUA Rongoā Puoro Wānanga across their ancestral lands, supported by Hauora Māori Te Whatu Ora. Together, they present the interactive “Power to the Puoro Show,” which aims to educate and inspire communities about the healing and transformative power of Taonga Puoro while honoring and preserving the wisdom of their ancestors.