Māori artists Rob Ruha, Ria Hall, Troy Kingi, Bella Kalolo, Majic Paora, Kaaterama and the East Coast Tira Waiata (Choir) sensation Ka Hao have united to create a powerful visual album, entitled Mōhau (For you).
Mōhau showcases the live recording of eight moving and uplifting waiata whakamoemiti (gospel songs).
The album features some of Aotearoa’s top musical talent including Rob Ruha, Ria Hall, Troy Kingi, Bella Kalolo, Majic Paora, Kaaterama and the East Coast Tira Waiata (Choir) sensation Ka Hao, who performed as part of Gisborne’s inaugural Tai Rawhiti Arts Festival in October.
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Recorded in a single take at Parachute Music studios, its soul-infused sound aims to strengthen and uplift people’s spirits this festive season.
All the songs were composed in te reo Māori and draw inspiration from the hymns that are sung everyday within our communities.
Each feature artist, including the East Coast Tira Waiata (Choir) Ka Hao, lead a song on the album.
The project’s musical director, award-wining haka-soul musician Rob Ruha, says there’s something special about recording live: “The electric and spontaneous nature of the performance, the hearts that submit so freely to unity, to the music, to each other and to the audience.”
“It’s at that point that us artists reach out for divine inspiration to lift us beyond the heights we think we’re physically capable of reaching!”
The visual album was launched last night at Auckland’s Te Puea Memorial Marae in Mangere Bridge.
Mōhau will be released on all digital platform services next year, January 31 2020.
This album is a joint venture between InDigiNation Music, Parachute Music and Oati. Proudly supported by Wilberforce Foundation and Te Māngai Pāho.
