Ethnically and Culturally Inspired Music
About "Waka Huia"
Huia Ignites with Empowering Single, 'WAKA'. This potent waiata (song) is a captivating fusion of contemporary trap beats and the ancient sounds of taonga puoro (traditional Māori instruments), including a First Nation flute. Huia brought in the music skills of artist Rei and the tune is recorded Mixed and Mastered at Kog Studio.
Sung entirely in te reo Māori, ‘Waka Huia’ pulsates with an empowering message. It's a call to action, urging listeners to embrace their inner strength and lift each other. The lyrics speak to challenging the status quo and addressing injustices with unwavering resolve and peaceful resistance. Rangimārie. ‘WAKA HUIA’ wraps the audience and takes them on a heavy deep music journey, but lyrically it’s a gentle reminder to look after yourself.
‘WAKA HUIA’ is just the first taste of Huia's highly anticipated album, 'Kawakawa’ a twelve-track exploration of affirmation, self-discovery and connection to one another and the lands we live and fiercely protect. Her music has been a regular part of national iwi radio playlisting for over 10 years and is highlighted on Māori playlists and Waiata Anthem releases. In 2022 she was awarded Best Female Māori Artist at the 2022 Waiata Māori Music Awards and an annual finalist.
This deeply personal work features a unique blend of musical talent with Huia sharing creative space with Sean Richards (Tui Tuia Ō Whakapapa, Pūnakaiki), her musical confidante Rei and Pacific Heights. The album is predominantly in te reo Māori, supported by Te Māngai Pāho and recorded/mixed/mastered at Kog Studio.
The waiata ‘Waka Huia’ debut was live at WOMAD24 and Huia's musical journey has been enriched by her travels to indigenous global music communities. ‘WAKA HUIA’ sets a lush scene as a taster for the KAWAKAWA album project.
Sung entirely in te reo Māori, ‘Waka Huia’ pulsates with an empowering message. It's a call to action, urging listeners to embrace their inner strength and lift each other. The lyrics speak to challenging the status quo and addressing injustices with unwavering resolve and peaceful resistance. Rangimārie. ‘WAKA HUIA’ wraps the audience and takes them on a heavy deep music journey, but lyrically it’s a gentle reminder to look after yourself.
‘WAKA HUIA’ is just the first taste of Huia's highly anticipated album, 'Kawakawa’ a twelve-track exploration of affirmation, self-discovery and connection to one another and the lands we live and fiercely protect. Her music has been a regular part of national iwi radio playlisting for over 10 years and is highlighted on Māori playlists and Waiata Anthem releases. In 2022 she was awarded Best Female Māori Artist at the 2022 Waiata Māori Music Awards and an annual finalist.
This deeply personal work features a unique blend of musical talent with Huia sharing creative space with Sean Richards (Tui Tuia Ō Whakapapa, Pūnakaiki), her musical confidante Rei and Pacific Heights. The album is predominantly in te reo Māori, supported by Te Māngai Pāho and recorded/mixed/mastered at Kog Studio.
The waiata ‘Waka Huia’ debut was live at WOMAD24 and Huia's musical journey has been enriched by her travels to indigenous global music communities. ‘WAKA HUIA’ sets a lush scene as a taster for the KAWAKAWA album project.
