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Iconic Maori Musicians Honoured

Iconic Maori Musicians Honoured


Tuesday September 5, 2017

September 5, 2017 - Three iconic Māori artists will be honoured posthumously at the upcoming 10th annual Waiata Māori Music Awards in Hastings next Friday, September 15.

- Celebrated 1970s singer Bunny Tekokiri Miha Wahi Walters will receive the Music Industry Award. Walters (Ngāi Te Rangi) was born and raised in Katikati in the Bay of Plenty and his first single, Just Out of Reach was released in 1969. Three years later his single Brandy, featuring the Yandell sisters, was released. The song reached number four on the New Zealand pop charts, while another of Walters’ songs, Take the Money, reached number 2. Walters was inspired by the artists of his day including The Drifters and Tom Jones and is remembered by those who loved his timeless music, as well as artists with whom he performed and influenced during his time. Walters passed away in December last year.

- Tainui waka performing arts stalwart Kiritokia e-te Tomairangi Adrianne Gail Paki is this year’s recipient of the Keeper of Tradition Award. Paki, the sister of the Māori king, died in April of this year. In 2016 she was made a life member of the Tainui Cultural Trust for her contribution to kapa haka over four decades performing and tutoring Taniwharau.

- Whanau of Canon Wiremu Te Tau Huata (CBE, QSO, MC) will accept the Music Composer’s Award on his behalf at Friday’s Awards ceremony. Huata (Ngati Kahungungu) was a New Zealand Anglican priest and military chaplain. Encouraged by Sir Apirana Ngata, a young Huata enlisted and served in WWII as part of the 28th New Zealand (Māori) Battalion and as a returned serviceman he composed many songs that have become Māori anthems, most notably his rendition of How Great Thou Art into Whakaaria mai. Other songs he is famous for include Tutira Mai Ngā Iwi, Pā Mai and A.E.I.O.U. In 2016, Whakaaria Mai, a special 60-minute stage production based on Huata’s life was staged in New Zealand. Huata passed away in 1991.

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The iconic award recipients are selected by a special awards committee. All other awards categories are judged separately.


The 2017 Waiata Māori Music Awards finalists are:

Best Māori Traditional Album

Grove Roots, Grove Roots
Auaha, Auaha
Tira, Maisey Rika


Best Māori Urban Rap/Hip Hop/RnB Album

Me, My Selfie & Ice Pro, Taipari Waaka
A Place to Stand, Rei
4108sis, Rugged and Wylde
AvonTales, Melodownz


Best Māori Urban Roots/Reggae Album

Grove Roots, Grove Roots
Dance Hall Vol 1, Israel Starr
Love not War, NLC


Best Māori Pop Album

Guitar Party at Uncle’s Bach, Troy Kingi
Written in the Stars, Maaka Fiso
Tira, Maisey Rika


Best Māori Male Solo Artist

Troy Kingi
Maaka Fiso
Teeks
Seth Haapu


Best Māori Female Solo Artist

Toni Huata
Pianika Duncan
Maisey Rika


Best Song by a Māori Artist

Written in the Stars, Maaka Fiso
Never Be Apart, Teeks
Te Kura, Grove Roots
Mohaka, Toni Huata
Taku Mana, Maisey Rika


Best Māori Songwriter

Maaka Fiso
Teeks
Grove Roots
Toni Huata
Maisey Rika


Best Video by a Māori Artist

Lost Soul, Vallkyrie
Ru ana te Whenua, Alien Weaponry
New Take Over, Stan Walker
If Only, Teeks
Wairua, Maimoa

www.waiatamaoriawards.co.nz
Follow Māori Music Month on Facebook: Te Marama Pūoru Waiata Māori
Follow the Waiata Māori Music Awards on Facebook: Waiata Maori Awards
#maorimusicmonth

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