Band & Musician News - Award-winning Aotearoa artist AJA releases moving te reo Māori waiata + video
04 August 2023 - 0 Comments
Aotearoa award-winning singer-producer AJA (Ngāti Raukawa, Te Ati Awa ki Whakarongotai, Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ngāti Porou) has today released her moving new te reo Māori waiata + beautiful video Te Reo ki Whakarongotai.
This heartfelt, indigenous RnB waiata pays tribute to the profound love AJA holds for her ancestral home in Waikanae on the Kāpiti Coast. Written by her Uncle Kahu Ropata, AJA’s older sister Trey Ropata composed the tune which was then developed by AJA, Kahu and Natasha Ropata - making Te Reo ki Whakarongotai a very special taonga to their whānau.
The waiata speaks of knowledge passed down through wānanga and encourages listeners to immerse themselves in the distinct language of Ātiawa ki Whakarongotai - the marae and iwi to which AJA belongs. It celebrates the revival and preservation of knowledge, language, tikanga and traditions - beautifully capturing the deep connection to roots and treasures of language. “The lyrics symbolise the plume of knowledge that spans the heavens,” says AJA. “Te Reo ki Whakarongotai is like ‘...te paki o Matariki…’ an adornment in the sky; a brooch worn by Ranginui (the Sky Father) himself. This song is a product of the vast wisdom inherited from generations before.”
Te Reo ki Whakarongotai was made with the support of Te Māngai Pāho and NZ on Air; recorded in the Wellington home studio of producer, singer and musician, Mara TK (Electric Wire Hustle, Meeting House Records); and mastered by Benny Tones (Ben Horton) of Organik Music.
Also being released today is a captivating piece of cinematography that brings this special waiata to life visually. Filmedat Whakarongotai, full of whānau and iwi, this immersive video was directed by Tola Newbery, filmed by Isaac Te Reina and Tama Kawha - who also edited it. The video transports viewers to the heart of an authentic family gathering. Through both direction and cinematography, it skillfully captures the unfiltered vitality of AJA’s people - showcasing belonging, identity, and the enduring power of Māoritanga. “This was a special whānau gathering at our marae during the covid pandemic,” says AJA. “We were able to shoot this video and capture the importance of whanaungatanga during a hard time.”
Te Reo ki Whakarongotai is the latest in a line of impressive releases and shows from AJA, including her recently released single Feel It (RadioScope Alt Chart, SRN Chart, NZ on Air New Tracks, RNZ, Mai, Whakaata Māori), headlining Newtown Festival, performing at Cuba Dupa, the Matariki Awards andopening Kia Mau Festival. AJA (Aja Wairere Ropata) is an industry professional in both Māori education and music. In Matariki 2019 AJA released her debut single Non-Handler, followed by her second single Kāwai in NZ Music Month 2020. In 2022 she was presented with the esteemed APRA Maioha Silver Scroll Award for waiata Te Iho - which was composed alongside Byllie-Jean and Chris Wethey. First-time finalist and winner, AJA says it was another proud moment elevating contemporary waiata reo Māori. AJA’s voice and musical arrangements speak to a wide audience. With a much-anticipated debut album being worked on alongside Mara TK, AJA is an artist to follow!
Photo Credit: Isaac Te Reina
Most Viewed Artists
Latest Galleries
NZ Top 10 Singles
- APT.
ROSÉ And Bruno Mars - DIE WITH A SMILE
Lady Gaga And Bruno Mars - BIRDS OF A FEATHER
Billie Eilish - TASTE
Sabrina Carpenter - I LOVE YOU, I'M SORRY
Gracie Abrams - ESPRESSO
Sabrina Carpenter - SAILOR SONG
Gigi Perez - LOSE CONTROL
Teddy Swims - A BAR SONG (TIPSY)
Shaboozey - GOOD LUCK, BABE!
Chappell Roan
More Content on muzic.net.nz
Google Site Search
100% New Zealand Music
All content on this website is copyright to muzic.net.nz and other respective rights holders. Redistribution of any material presented here without permission is prohibited.
Report A Problem
There are currently no comments for this article. Please log in to add new comments.