10 September 2024 - 0 Comments

Waiata Anthems marks its fifth anniversary this September, celebrating a milestone in Aotearoa's cultural renaissance. The occasion will be commemorated with the vinyl release of the inaugural Waiata Anthems album, featuring legendary acts like Six60, BENEE, and Stan Walker, along with new music and documentaries from nine extraordinary artists, and an exceptional live performance at Auckland Museum. This year's festivities honour the legacy of the movement and continue to push the boundaries of cultural expression and musical innovation, deepening the nation's connection to te reo Māori and its heritage.

NEW WAIATA

Throughout Mahuru Māori, nine original waiata will be released, showcasing the incredible work of artists in the 2024 Waiata Anthems Taumata Program. This initiative nurtures talent committed to creating waiata reo Māori or bilingual waiata. The artists represent diverse talent from across the motu, each uniquely blending te reo Māori into various genres. Together, they’ve crafted a collection that offers something for everyone, making it a rich and compelling celebration of modern Māori music.

- Tawaz – Tātarakihi: Infuses his love for te taiao into a radiant waiata, blending summer kanikani vibes with personal cultural resonance.

- Jordyn with a Why – Māku Anō: Amplifies the voice of Māori in the digital age, celebrating their growing influence with an uplifting R&B bop.

- Dillastrate – Kei Whati Mai Te Marama: Harness their creative synergy to create an electrifying banger set to explode on the summer festival circuit.

- Marei – Tahi Ka Riri: Channels her emotions into a mesmerising waiata that transforms frustration into an empowering force.

- Nikau Grace – Rapua te Mea Ngaro: Sparks the dreams and passions of her community in an infectious pop waiata, igniting a celebration of the unique spark within everyone.

- Mā – Pūha me te Porohewa: Fuses contemporary trip-hop with a lyrical exploration of ignorance and racism, delivering a brooding commentary on societal challenges.

- MOHI – My Love: Channels his neo-soul rhythms into an irresistible celebration of love and his whānau and marae.

- MAJIC – Mana Motuhake: Draws on the soul of her voice to deliver a beautiful anthem that empowers mana motuhake.

- Chase Woods – Maiea: Uses his reo rua rhymes to weave a profoundly personal waiata groove, encouraging people to embrace te reo Māori.

DOCUMENTARIES

Waiata Anthems is proud to present this new collection of waiata reo Māori, each accompanied by short documentaries and music videos premiering on YouTube from September 6th. Accessible and bite-sized, these visual narratives invite viewers into a world of inspiration, reflection, and connection.

The release of these short films will add to the existing collection of Waiata Anthems content, which has achieved 1.2 million YouTube views in the past two years, reaffirming the transformative role of waiata in the cultural landscape of Aotearoa.

WAIATA ANTHEMS COMPILATION ALBUM

Dropping into stores on September 13, the vinyl reissue of the first Waiata Anthems compilation album continues the legacy of the cultural revolution sparked five years ago. Originally released on CD and digitally, this groundbreaking album, featuring iconic New Zealand artists performing their hits in te reo Māori, debuted at #1 on the Kiwi music charts, went Gold, and won three Māori Language Awards, including the Supreme Award. Now available on vinyl for the first time, it’s an essential addition to any music lover's collection, offering a timeless way to experience this universal language of song.

AUCKLAND MUSEUM LIVE

On September 13, the Auckland Museum will host an unforgettable concert featuring this year’s Waiata Anthems artists. Celebrate as these talented artists debut their new waiata, each showcasing a dynamic mix of genres, styles, and powerful messages. This is a night to amplify the voices of Aotearoa through the transformative power of waiata reo Māori.

Tickets on sale now: WAIATA ANTHEMS Live at the Museum

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