WAKA HUIA by Huia
Huia Ignites with Empowering Debut Single, 'WAKA HUIA'. This potent waiata (song) is a captivating fusion of contemporary trap beats and the ancient sounds of taonga puoro (traditional Māori instruments), including a First Nation flute. Huia brought in the music skills of artist Rei and the rune is recorded Mixed and Mastered at Kog Studio.
Sung entirely in te reo Māori, ‘Waka Huia’ pulsates with an empowering message. It's a call to action, urging listeners to embrace their inner strength and lift each other. The lyrics speak to challenging the status quo and addressing injustices with unwavering resolve and peaceful resistance. Rangimārie. ‘WAKA HUIA’ wraps the audience and takes them on a heavy deep music journey, but lyrically it’s a gentle reminder to look after yourself.
‘WAKA HUIA’ is just the first taste of Huia's highly anticipated album, 'Kawakawa’ a twelve-track exploration of affirmation, self-discovery and connection to one another and the lands we live and fiercely protect. Her music has been a regular part of national iwi radio playlisting for over 10 years and is highlighted on Māori playlists and Waiata Anthem releases. In 2022 she was awarded Best Female Māori Artist at the 2022 Waiata Māori Music Awards and an annual finalist.
This deeply personal work features a unique blend of musical talent with Huia sharing creative space with Sean Richards (Tui Tuia Ō Whakapapa, Pūnakaiki), her musical confidante Rei and Pacific Heights. The album is predominantly in te reo Māori, supported by Te Māngai Pāho and recorded/mixed/mastered at Kog Studio.
The waiata ‘Waka Huia’ debut was live at WOMAD24 and Huia's musical journey has been enriched by her travels to indigenous global music communities. ‘WAKA HUIA’ sets a lush scene as a taster for her KAWAKAWA releases.
Tracklist
| 1. | WAKA HUIA | 2:59 |
Lyrics
MĀORI
V1
He ātaahua te ora, he ātaahua te aroha
Te kaha o te puna, te mana o te kahurangi
Ka rere te wai, ka hārō te ngākau
Ka whakahokia te reo, ko te reo o te ao
CH.
Waka Huia x 2
Ko Waka Huia x 2
Ko Waka Huia koe
Ko koe te tīrama!
V2
Patupatuhia ngā pahū, turakina ngā rākau
Kua tika te wā kia anga whakamua x2
CH
V3
He ātaahua te ora, he ātaahua te aroha
Te kaha o te puna, te mana o te kahurangi
Ka rere te wai, ka hārō te ngākau
Ka whakahokia te reo, ko te reo o te ao
Waka Huia!
ENGLISH
V1
Life is beautiful, love is beautiful
The strength of the spring, powerful in the azure
The water flows, the heart soars
Returning of the voice, of the voice of the world
CH
Precious Vessel x 2
You are the Waka Huia
You are a vessel of knowledge
And you shine!
V2.
Strike the drums, shake the trees
move beyond this time to the future x 2
CH
V3
Life and love are beautiful
The strength of the spring, the strength in blue
The water flows, the heart beats
Returning of the voice, of the voice of the world
Waka Huia!
Credits
C. Mcdougall, Chris Chetland
License
All rights reserved.Tags
Huia is a bilingual performer from
Aotearoa NZ, singing in both Māori and English. With electronic beats, organic percussion with live guitars and deep harmonies Huia has an easy sound with conscious lyrical content.