09 June 2022 - 0 Comments

Taupiri is one of nine exquisitely crafted tracks on Te Kaahu’s recently released debut album Te Kaahu O Rangi, described by RNZ’s Tony Stamp as “a meticulous package of gorgeous song-craft that has the feeling of something made with the greatest care - every word, image and sound the product of deep thought from its writer.

The brainchild of critically acclaimed singer and songwriter Theia ((Waikato-Tainui, Ngāti Tīpa), Te Kaahu is a reo rangatira project, which honours the craft of Māori songwriting and storytelling. On the record Theia pays tribute to her tūpuna wāhine (female ancestors) and references many well-known landmarks in her beloved haukāinga, including the Waikato River and on the track Taupiri, her ancestral mountain.

“For hundreds of years Taupiri has fostered and looked after my ancestors from birth and it serves as their final resting place in death. My great grandparents and beyond are buried in her embrace. When I climb Taupiri, I feel so held and safe,” says Theia.

To visually capture the warmth of the waiata, Theia worked with Auckland-based creative Karin Yamasaki, who was also part of the talented team that shot the video for Te Kaahu ’s track Pai Maarire.

“It was important to me that whoever took on the job of animating this waiata, understood the unbreakable bond I, and many of my iwi, have with our maunga. Karin grasped that straight away! I love the delicate nature of her drawings and how they capture the song so beautifully. When I saw the finished piece, it brought tears to my eyes.”

“He rangimārie i ngā wā katoa koe e taku maunga tapu”: You are of peaceful and caring nature at all times, my sacred mountain.

Te Kaahu’s debut album, Te Kaahu O Rangi, is out on DSPs now. Listen HERE / HERE

The CD will be available at retail stores from June 24, while the vinyl will be available from September.

Catch Te Kaahu live, this Matariki, performing at The Tuning Fork in Auckland on Friday June 24. Te Kaahu will be joined for this very special night by Mohi and Hina. Tickets for the all-ages event are available now HERE

Te Kaahu then performs at Māoriland, Otaki, on Friday July 8. Tickets HERE

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