Ethnically and Culturally Inspired Music
2 times in the Global Top 40
About "AEIOU - Tiki Taane Remake Feat.Moana Maniapoto, Ria Hall, Georgia Lines, Chey Milne, Mazbou Q, "
“AEIOU was released in 1993. It was blatant propaganda, a call to action. I was sick of having my name mutilated beyond recognition. I was on a mission to brainwash Pākehā into pronouncing the vowels correctly and rark Māori into joining a the reo revolution.
It began as a radio jingle written by Mina Ripia - we were both working at Aotearoa Radio. Teremoana and I wrote lyrics around the line “akona te reo.” Stuart Pearce produced it. This was before digital platforms. Radio programmers described it as “too preachy.” I suspect even the one line of reo in it was triggering.
Back then when my toddler spoke Māori, people would stop and stare - even our own if I’m to be honest. He was shocked if someone spoke Māori to him outside of kohanga, marae or home. My daughter who is 14 is in a completely different world where more Pākehā are learning or are at least conscious of pronunciation.
Angus McNaughton did a remix for our second album RUA. When Hinewehi suggested a remake, we discussed different producers. I’ve always been a fan of Tiki. He did a remix of another song Scotty and I wrote called Pae o Riri. I like the dark brooding edge to his music.
AEIOU is an anthem – it needs to be played at high volume. Love this new version.
It was a challenge for Scotty Morrison to translate mine and Teremoana’s lyrics. He did it metaphorically - not literally. I’m thrilled and honoured these artists put their own unique mark on this waiata. I absolutely love it.”