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Download AudioNorthernmost iwi Ngāti Kuri has asked young reggae and funk band Papa’s Pack for a new version a tribal anthem.
Muriwhenua was composed by the late Ross Norman with his sisters Saana Waitai-Murray and Te Paea Waitai.
Rhythm guitarist Liam Hobson-Scott says it’s an honour to share the waiata with the world.
“People are happy to hear this waiata has been recorded and now they can play it in their cars, play it in their classrooms, wherever they want to be. If they are away from home it reminds them of home and if they are at home they just blast it at full volume,” he says.
Lead vocals on Muriwhenua are by Saana Murray’s great granddaughter Kapowairua Waitai, and the rest of the band includes brothers Tamatoa and Turoa Adams, Petra Greaves, and Rapata McLean.
It’s part of this month’s Waiata Anthems drop on Spotify.
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