Yá'át'ééh, Tihei Mauri Ora! Native Nations are an indigenous husband and wife (Kateřina Pihera-Ridge and Marcus Ridge) reggae duo. Marcus is a Diné (Navajo), Cherokee and Hopi Native American from of Na’Neelzhiin, (Wolf Stand, Navajo Nation) New Mexico, USA and Kateřina affiliates to Ngāti Rangiwewehi, Ngāti Whakaue, Ngā Puhi and Czech Republic - born and raised in Rotorua, NZ.
Native Nations music is a unique blend of Jamaican-style Roots Reggae, Navajo Nation "Rez" Reggae and Aotearoa/ Pasifika Reggae. Their upbeat, catchy compositions tell indigenous stories of love & warfare each with a distinctive message that connects the past, present and future.
First meeting in Albuquerque, New Mexico while playing together in a native reggae band, they later joined to create their own music, followed by marriage and two MāoriDiné babies! Music and whakapapa genealogy binds them through all time.
Their self-titled debut album cover depicts the fusion of Navajo and Māori knowledge that has survived with indigenous resilience. The waiata songs will resonate with those conscious of Te Ao Hurihuri, the changing world and connect with the uniting language of music as medicine and good vibration. Definitely some summer jams for your playlist!