WAIATA ANTHEMS

Our Songs. Our Waiata. Our Movement.

Waiata Anthems is a movement instrumental in the massive groundswell of streaming and broadcasting waiata reo Māori. 

Since its inception in 2019, Waiata Anthems has celebrated and encouraged the revitalisation of te reo Māori at scale. Over one hundred new waiata and creative lyric music videos have been supported, produced and released alongside powerful documentary stories, each sharing personal stories of disconnection, reclamation and courage through waiata reo Māori. The power of waiata is transforming artists and audiences as our nation’s airwaves and digital music platforms resonate with the vibrant sound of new waiata and bilingual music.

In 2023, Waiata Anthems returns with a broader reach. Using three release pillars:

• MAY NZ Music Month

• JULY Matariki

• SEPTEMBER Waiata Anthems Week

The movement is set to amplify even more waiata and empower our artists to strengthen their careers and promote their music to Aotearoa and the world using te reo Māori.

WAIATA ANTHEMS: SEPTEMBER RELEASE 

 Exceptional artists. Transformational journeys. Powerful Waiata.

Premiering from September 1st, WAIATA ANTHEMS is proud to present a new collection of waiata reo Māori, enriched by accompanying short documentaries, exploring themes such as universal love, personal empowerment, cultural revival, and ancestral bonds.  

The upcoming ensemble features an iconic anthem breathed anew in te reo Māori, innovative, original works, and artistic collaborations from celebrated names; The Black Seeds, Georgia Lines, Muroki, RIIKI REID, Dillastrate, IA and MAJIC PĀORA, as well as emerging talents YAHYAH and Len Blake. From the emotive pull of soul-stirring ballads to the invigorating rhythm of upbeat melodies, these carefully crafted tunes forge an unforgettable tribute to the Māori language and heritage.  

Complementing the musical richness, the collection includes eight short documentaries detailing the artist’s journey and creative process. These visual narratives, which will premiere on YouTube, add an intimate layer, inviting viewers into a world of inspiration, reflection, and connection, promising a viewing experience that will resonate with audiences of all backgrounds.  

* The translation of The Black Seed’s anthem, ‘So True’, uncovers themes of universal love.  

* Muroki and RIIKI REID duet on a heartfelt waiata for those going through a tough time.  

* ADHD becomes a musical superpower for Dillastrate's Henare Kaa. 

* IA's front man, Reti Hedley, reflects on the empowerment of Māori reclamation.  

* YAHYAH confronts her fears to honour her late mother through Māori melodies.  

* MAJIC PĀORA uses waiata to uplift her iwi and leave a legacy for her tamariki.  

* Georgia Lines opens up about her uncertainty as a Pākehā taking on the challenge of performing in te reo Māori.  

* Len Blake explores the heartbreak of distance and the need to hold on to the connection to home.  

“I am humbled that the Waiata Anthems movement is able to support, produce, and promote so many artists in the creation and production of waiata reo Māori” says founder Dame Hinewehi Mohi” The release of documentaries for Mahuru Māori in September provides an exclusive glimpse into the inspiration behind their waiata. I am forever inspired by these artists' unwavering passion and dedication to breathe life and love into their waiata.”  

** WAIATA ANTHEMS LINKS**   

Listen to Waiata Anthems: https://bio.to/WAIATAANTHEMS 

Content will begin releasing on the 1st of September. 

Be sure to subscribe to WAIATA ANTHEMS on YouTube. 

Mānawatia a Matariki

Mānawa maiea te putanga o Matariki

Mānawa maiea te ariki o te rangi

Mānawa maiea te mātahi o te tau

As the Māori New Year arrives, Waiata Anthems honours the rising of Matariki with a new release of waiata and video content, showcasing an exciting group of established and emerging artists sharing their experiences of creating reo Māori music.

Throughout July, expect diverse musical offerings from Bleeders, Jordyn with a Why, Riiki Reid, Tini Whetū, Geneva AM and Swizl Jager. From reorua rap and the purest of pop to rage-ridden punk, these talented artists run the gamut of musical genres.

Matariki is a time of reflection, celebration and preparation, so alongside the new waiata, each artist has shared an unexpected personal story addressing their own hopes and dreams for a brighter future.

From an inside view of the new kaupapa Māori approach at Corrections, to the power of giving birth, to language reclamation and youth mental health, the Waiata Anthems Matariki collection of short documentaries will inspire audiences to go beyond the melodies. With themes of tuakiritanga identity and kotahitanga unity, these must-watch films contain a wealth of mātauranga Māori as the artists celebrate the present with pride and look to the future with hope.

Te Marama Puoro o Aotearoa - NZ Music Month 2023

This May, we return with a suite of new waiata and video content in time for Te Marama Puoro O Aotearoa - NZ Music Month 2023.

Throughout May, new waiata will be released from both emerging and established artists, including MOHI, Chad Chambers, Nikau Grace, William Singe and Corrella. 

Accompanying the musical releases, audiences can look forward to a selection of dynamic videos funded by Te Māngai Pāho, including five brand new short documentary stories, live performance music videos and lyric explainer clips, taking audiences on a deep dive into the meaning behind these powerful waiata.

The creator of Waiata Anthems, Dame Hinewehi Mohi, says she is particularly excited about the focus on supporting our artists through video content and hearing the personal stories behind their waiata.

And for those wanting to join the movement as it plays out, audiences can watch performances from Jordyn With A Why, Majic, Geneva Alexander Marsters, Alya Jade, and Corrella, at the Waiata Reo Māori Showcase streaming live from the Tuning Fork on Wednesday 17th May.