August 08, 2022
Waiata Anthems building on reo challenge
Get ready for a special instalment of Waiata Anthems.
Kaupapa co-founder, Dame Hinewehi Mohi says this year’s recordings will build on the legacy of the 1972 Māori Language Petition with 20 new waiata set for release on September 2.
Artists’ features include Rob Ruha, Coterie, Ladi6, Drax Project, Solo3 Mio, Pacific Heights featuring Stan Walker & Crete, Ria Hall and others.
There’s also a documentary series featuring Lorde and Tim Finn, Kora and Barnaby Weir, and new voices in the pop music world, Mikey Dam and Paige immersing themselves in te ao Māori, te reo me ngā tikanga Māori through Waiata.
The Waiata Anthems Week releases will coincide with a social media wero / challenge to celebrate and encourage the revitalisation of te reo Māori at scale, with people invited to share on social media how they incorporate waiata in their everyday life.
Since its inception in 2019, the Waiata Anthems movement has supported the production and release of 100 new waiata and helped drive the massive ground swell of streaming and broadcast of waiata reo Māori.