Mā ori music to light up Matariki
Special kōrero from Waiata Anthems to help celebrate Matariki this month
As the Mā ori New Year arrives, Waiata Anthems honours the rising of Matariki with a new release of waiata and video content, showcasing an exciting group of established and emerging artists sharing their experiences of creating te reo Mā ori music.
Throughout July, expect diverse musical offerings from Bleeders, Jordyn with a Why, Riiki Reid, Tini Whetū , Geneva AM and Swizl Jager.
From reorua rap and the purest of pop to rage-ridden punk, these talented artists run the gamut of musical genres.
Matariki is a time of reflection, celebration and preparation, so alongside the new waiata, each artist has shared an unexpected personal story addressing their own hopes and dreams for a brighter future.
From an inside view of the new kaupapa Mā ori approach at Corrections, to the power of giving birth, to language reclamation and youth mental health, the Waiata Anthems Matariki collection of short documentaries will inspire audiences to go beyond the melodies.
With themes of tuakiritanga identity and kotahitanga unity, these must-watch films contain a wealth of mā tauranga Mā ori as the artists celebrate the present with pride and look to the future with hope.
“To support artists releasing waiata reo Mā ori at this special time of the year is a privilege for Waiata Anthems,” says founder Dame Hinewehi Mohi. “Our movement is about the revitalisation of te reo Mā ori at scale, our wish is to embrace Matariki manako nui and look to a bright future with these amazing waiata across airwaves and digital platforms.”
Content will be released from Friday and continue throughout July.