03 Jun 2023 // A review by Corinne Rutherford
Tohu is a five piece band based in Rotorua Aotearoa New Zealand, bringing over six decades of musical expertise that perpetuates bilingual culture through the power of music. Tu Mai Te Reo is the band's second single telling the story of “holding our language close to us” and “connecting our culture”. The track which has been released entirely in Te Reo Maori is a beautiful waiata which has a smooth reggae sound and powerful message.

Connection to culture is the korero around this song, it flows beautifully with strong vocals and harmonies. Delivered with passion, you can hear the aroha in the music.

Tohu delivers a universally appealing sound that breaks through the barrier of language. Tu Mai Te Reo was number nine currently on the New Zealand Hot 20 singles and third on the Te Reo Maori charts.

Staying true to their cultural values, Tohu have put in the mahi creating a mighty sound through collaboration and auahatanga (creativity).

This is a track full of feel good summer vibes and a message which transcends cultures.

Tohu are Trojan-John Te Rehu-Tuki (Tuhourangi, Ngati Wahiao) on guitar and vocals, Jonelle Williams (Ngati Whatua) on drums, Elizabeth Chia on keyboards / vocals and Jeamal Murray-Hohua on bass / vocals. With the support and funding by Te Mangai Paho, Tu Mai Te Reo was recorded and mixed by Evan Pope at Studio 11B and mastered by Chris Chetland at KOG Studio.

Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ ( 4 / 5 )

Tohu is a five-piece band made up of diverse members from Aotearoa, formed in December 2022. Tohu brings together over six decades of musical expertise that perpetuates bilingual culture through the power of music. From Rotorua, to the nation and beyond the borders, we value a commitment to Whanaungatanga (community), Manaakitanga (care for each other), Aroha (love), Auahatanga (creativity), and Korero (communication).

Our essence as Tohu is to co-exist in a bilingual society that supports the values we aspire to. Music is our chosen medium through which we are able to connect with people across different languages, cultures and backgrounds. Through our shared experience, we are able to relate to each other, gain perspective, and create compassion and an understanding attained through art. Sharing our Reo (language) is one way to Korero our inner workings. As we grow as a band, we would like to invite you on this journey into biculturalism that Aotearoa thrives on, weaving our unique story that is our Whakapapa (genealogy).

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