Haimona grew up in Island Bay, Wellington, and one of his childhood friends was a young Jon Toogood (pre-Shihad): both played cricket and made the local rep team. However, when Haimona was 13 years old, his father moved the family to Auckland for his work. The sudden move left Haimona feeling disconnected and listless. He was hanging around Aotea Square in Auckland’s CBD one day when he happened to meet DLT and Teremoana Rapley, who had moved to the city as part of Upper Hutt Posse. Coincidentally, the pair happened to live in the same part of town (Mt Eden) and became mentors in the years that followed. They also introduced Haimona to master carver, George Nuku, who often let the youngster stay at his house.
Dam Native remixed the Emma Paki song ‘Standalone’ in 2003 and Haimona added rapped verses to the track. This version was released as a single with an accompanying music video featuring Haimona.
Danny D Haimona - MC
Bennett Pomana - MC
Bryson Campbell - guitar
Hone Manukau - MC
Thomas Kani Kani - guitar
Pirimia Falwasser - backing vocals
Tom Atkinson - drums
Jo Keating - bass
Timothy William - keyboards
Jo Kopua - percussion