05 October 2020 - 0 Comments

Aotearoa’s Godfather of Hip-Hop Darryl Thomson and long-time Maori composer, the late Te Taite Cooper will be honoured at this year’s National Waiata Maori Music Awards.

Both artists grew up in Hawke’s Bay where the awards event has been held since 2008 and they will be recipients of the event’s Iconic Awards, which recognise those who have made a significant contribution to the industry.

The category is not judged but is awarded to highlight the work of past and present performers, singers and songwriters working in the Māori music sector.

Darryl Leigh Thomson, Ngati Kahungunu, grew up in Maraenui in Napier and is better known in the music industry as DLT.  He was part of the pioneering hip-hop group Upper Hutt Posse and later led the development of hip-hop culture in Aotearoa winning numerous national awards.

Te Taite Cooper, who grew up in Hastings, composed the waiata, Te Hokinga Mai, with Bishop Takuira Mariu to celebrate the return of taonga which featured in the Te Maori Exhibition that toured North America in the mid-1980's.

DLT will receive the Lifetime Contribution to Maori Music Award, Te Tohu O Manawa Rahi Ki Te Ao Puoro Maori,  recognising his work as a singer, songwriter, producer and mentor for many young polynesian hip-hop artists, as well as being an advocate for all things Maori.

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