Makuini CT.VCM originates from New Zealand. She was introduced at a young age to the sounds of, Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, Carmen McCrae and Mavis Rivers. With her sister Heeni accompanying her on guitar, she entered Maori community and national festival competitions leading to a MEF music grant, which allowed her to study music in the city of Auckland, under the guidance of Dame Sister Mary Leo, tutor to world celebrated opera singer Dame Kiri Te Kanawa.
She became an established singer, dancer and actress both on stage and with appearances in television drama, radio, and light entertainment shows. Makuini toured venues in, Fiji, Samoa, Cook Islands, Tahiti, Hawaii and Los Angeles. Arriving in the UK she was cast opposite Yul Brynner in the "King & I" at the London Palladium. One of the high lights of her career being an appearance in the Royal Variety Show for Her Majesty The Queen, at The Theatre Royal Drury Lane.
Over the years Makuini has presented her Ladies of Soul in residencies throughout the UK, Malta, Tenerife, Cyprus, Dubai and on Cruise Ships around the Mediterranean, Caribbean and America. Makuini had the honour of performing her countries national anthem at the opening of Great Britain v New Zealand Rugby League test, televised around the world on Sky Sport, this was follow by an appearance with the Royal Grenadiers Band at Windsor Castle. The following year she sang at all three Rugby League Internationals Great Britain v New Zealand.