Media Release: New waiata ‘Toitū Te Tiriti’ by Ria Hall and Troy Kingi
He waiata hou nā Ria Hall (Tauranga Moana, Ngāti Porou, Te Whānau a Apanui) rātau ko Troy Kingi (Ngāpuhi, Te Arawa), ko Te Kuru o te Marama Dewes (Ngāti Porou, Te Arawa) e urupare atu ana ki tā te Kāwanatanga i kītaurangi ai ka wetewetehia e rātau ngā tikanga o Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Calling out the current coalition for choosing to perpetuate the narrative of division and the race-baiting politics that saw them elected, the new waiata by Ria Hall, Troy Kingi and Te Kuru Dewes is a direct response to the Government’s promise to rewrite the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Written and performed entirely in Te Reo Māori, the original and indigenous language of Aotearoa, the song is also a call to action to all Māori and Tangata Tiriti (non-Māori) to unite in the true spirit of kotahitanga to defend all that Te Tiriti o Waitangi represents.
Through this waiata, Ria Hall reaffirms her place in the Aotearoa music scene with a powerful statement of Māori resilience, while Troy Kingi imbues a grassroots feel to the new political anthem. Mātanga reo and 3x Silver Scrolls nominated songwriter Te Kuru Dewes adds his own unique craft of kupu for this highly anticipated release.
The track will be released under the artist name ‘Kurawai’ featuring Ria Hall, Troy Kingi and Te Kuru Dewes.
The waiata will be available on streaming platforms at 12AM, Friday 22nd of December, 2023.
