Mōhau

A powerful statement of unity and creativity, Mōhau (“For You”) is a live recording of eight waiata whakamoemiti (gospel songs) captured in one take and filmed in their entirety for a visual album. Sung in te reo Māori, these renditions preserve the reverence of their source hymns while showcasing the varied approaches of a new generation of Māori artists. Troy Kingi brings his buttery, soul-influenced singing in full force on “Tama i Tukua”, while “Amine” sees Ria Hall lead an especially uplifting swell of vocals from Ka Hao, the East Coast Tira Waiata choir accompanying the assembled artists. Creative director and composer Rob Ruha provides heartfelt insights between songs and doubles as a performer, dipping into full-bodied Kiwi-style reggae for the closing “Witi me te Waina”. This is a truly sumptuous rendering of Māori music’s ongoing malleability, honouring the past while striking off into bold new directions.