Maori/New Zealand Music

Kapa Haka is the New Zealand cultural performing arts. Kapa haka dates back to pre-European times where it developed from all traditional forms of Maori pastimes; haka, poi etc. An example of this is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvC0x7k-ZII

• What style of music is this/ who performs it/ what inspired them to write it?

• What did you like about the music?
• What did you like about the video?
• Find out what the song is about, can you find a translation of some of the lyrics?
• Find another Maori musical artist and share there work on your blog along with your answers to the work above.

Aotearoa -

Aotearoa is a pop song by Stan Walker. I like how catchy the music is and how they incorporate the New Zealand National Anthem into the song so fluidly. In the video, I enjoy how they use images from the natural beauty of New Zealand. The song is about how no matter who you are, out country will accept you.

Here is a rough translation of these lyrics: CLICK ME

Māreikura

Māreikura is another pop song by the Modern Maori Quartet. I like this song not necessarily because of the lyrics, but because of the rhythm and tune. I enjoy how the video is just them recording it. It feels very real. I, sadly, couldn't find a translation to the lyrics. Though, I did find a short description of what the song is about.
"Māreikura in Māori literally refers to the supreme Goddesses of the Twelfth Heaven. As young men who have all been raised by strong women, we, MMQ, wrote this waiata to acknowledge women as the pillars that provide the foundation of our world. Women are the doorway to life, the heartbeat of Māori culture and the first voice heard on the Marae."

Wairua

Wairua is yet another pop song by Maimoa. I like how there are multiple people singing the song throughout the song. The video is very simple but interesting. Wairua is about the different people in New Zealand and having spirit and soul.

Translation of lyrics: CLICK HERE

Kalega

Kalega is an R&B/soul song by Rob Ruha. Like Aotearoa, the music video shows images of the beauty of New Zealand. I enjoy the song because it is upbeat and fun to listen to. According to the artist, the song is sort of about:

Taken from the Māori phrase "ka reka" meaning sweet or tasty, 'Kalega' is commonly used by East Coast locals to express joy, amazement and stunned reactions. It has taken many transformations including: kaleg', kalega-lega, lega-leg', Chow-lega, Chur-lega, Sao-lega, Sao and many more. It is used to replace the phrases "too much" the more widely used "Tu meke" or the current terms O.M.G and Woooooo hoooooo!!!