15 November 2024 - 0 Comments

Aotearoa’s very own hard rock power trio, Te Tokotoru, makes a bold statement on new waiata Ka Whiua Ngā Ringa, out today.

Listen to Ka Whiua Ngā Ringa HERE

Ka Whiua Ngā Ringa means to ‘throw hands’ or ‘to fight’ and serves as a poignant and timely call to action for the preservation and revitalization of te reo Māori.

“This theme is strongly reflected throughout the waiata, most succinctly in the chorus: ‘Kōrero i te reo rangatira, kia kore e ngaro’, which means ‘use te reo as often as possible as it cannot be lost or forgotten,” says Te Tokotoru - a Māori supergroup made up of celebrated solo singer and songwriter Arahi; bassist William Devine (Fane Flaws, Tropical Downbeat Orchestra); and Iraia Whakamoe (The Nudge, Fly My Pretties).

It’s a powerful message, which packs a punch and comes delivered with all the signature stylings and energy of classic rock. The driving force of the bass and drums emphasize Te Tokotoru’s intentions lyrically, while the blistering guitar expresses the urgency of the kaupapa.

“The significance of te reo Māori and its preservation is more crucial now than ever, and ‘Ka Whiua Ngā Ringa’ stands as a reminder of this,” says the band.

The waiata was produced by the award-winning Troy Kingi; recorded and mixed at Surgery Studios in Wellington by Lee Prebble (L.A.B., The Black Seeds, Fly My Pretties) and mastered by Chris Chetland (Marlon Williams, Six60, Lorde) at Kog Studios in Auckland.

Also helping to elevate and convey the important message in Ka Whiua Ngā Ringa is a live video shot by Mark Russell at Wellington’s iconic venue San Fran when Te Tokotoru was opening for Troy Kingi. “The driving force of the song resonates perfectly in a live crowd environment - Te Tokotoru and the audience feeding off of each other's energy! It was a particularly special performance caught on camera that night.”

Watch the video here.

The members of Te Tokotoru are all at various stages of their reo Māori journey and deeply appreciate the significance of the language. Their previous single Te Hekenga reflected on the wisdom passed down from their elders, while Ka Whiua Ngā Ringa reinforces the importance of advocating for those teachings.

Firmly rooted in kaupapa Māori, Te Tokotoru was formed out of the necessity to convey such messages through music.

Photo Credit: Mark Russell

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