Ko Te Rerenga
Māori acoustic lament chant
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- country:New Zealand
- region:Polynesia
- style(s):Electronic, Maori
- label:Minaaka Music
- type:Band, Composer/Songwriter, Trio
- gender:male, female, child
- instrumentation:vocal, a cappella, electronic, percussion, singer songwriter, unplugged, guitar
- artist contact:Minaaka Limited
WAI is a Porirua-based family Māori electronica roots band that has existed for over 25 years. WAI perform entirely in Te Reo Māori with the poi at the forefront, creating the rhythmic skeleton, which in turn is cloaked in electronica.
WAI has performed at numerous high-profile international events. It has been recognised and acknowledged as innovators in their field, breaking new ground and fearlessly going where no Māori language bands have been before.
By only performing 100% in Te Reo, Māori WAI is one of the few original Māori music groups at the coal face of pioneering international opportunities for developing Māori language music.
Producers Mina and Maaka Phat strive to craft a distinctive Māori voice that is traditional in its inspiration, creativity, and innovation. It is unique, authentic and sounds like where it originates AOTEAROA.
Internationally, the WAI family is known and loved for their unique Māori electronica. As they travelled the world, their audience and opportunities broadened, and this led them to create a minimalist but very powerful acoustic performance set. Their music appeals to and has the ability to cross all boundaries regardless of language, age, colour, race or creed. Their performances create intense, personal and intimate relationships with their audiences.
In 2008, WAI took a well-deserved break from touring internationally to have a family and raise their son, Uta Te Whanga. 2013 saw WAI return to the Northern Hemisphere after receiving an invitation to return to Belgium. This is their first International tour since having their beautiful son, as he has been their priority. Uta Te Whanga the newest WAI member, was 4 years young, joining WAI on this tour in Belgium and Copenhagen. Now 16 years young internationally, Uta Te Whanga has since toured Seattle, Jeonju, Seoul, Charlottesville, Virginia, Colorado Springs, Yilan, and Taipei, and Uta was very excited to be heading to the Island of Borneo, Malaysia, to be a part of the 2019 Rainforest World Music Festival.
A strong reflection of cultural pride is the essence and sound of WAI.
Songs
Māori Electronica Roots
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