Mai is stoked to support Te Matatini and their 50th anniversary! To mark the 50 golden years, Te Matatini are releasing an album, a book and a web series celebrating 50 years of kapa haka and the Festival.
Rob Ruha is the album’s musical director. “You won’t hear a Waihīrere sound, Waka Huia, Whāngārā or any other group. But you will hear a vibrant and new sound that will help elevate the Māori language,” he said. Ricky Mitai of Ōpōtiki Mai Tawhiti said he looked forward to hearing some renowned favourites. “The songs that aren’t heard much anymore. I want to learn about each song s history.” Erena Koopu of Tauira Mai Tawhiti was looking forward to working with Ruha. “Not just for songwriting but also for the composition, notes, words . giving an understanding behind the writers to bring out a song’s beauty and its raw emotions.”