Stay Home, Save Lives
Created by over 20 artists in collaboration while in lock down, ‘Stay’ is a waiata created with one simple goal - encouraging the people of Aotearoa to “stay home, save lives”.
The brainchild of Te Māngai Pāho and Loop, the track & video were written, produced & recorded remotely by over 20 artists in just seven days, showcasing how New Zealanders are able to pull together in a time of crisis.
‘Stay’ was written and arranged by Anna Coddington, Rob Ruha, Scott Tindale and Brad Kora, Ara Adams-Tamatea & Joel Shadbolt (L.A.B), with a wide range of sixteen vocalists featured throughout including - Anna Coddington, Bailey Wiley, Hollie Smith, Ria Hall, Theia, Fran Kora (Kora), Jackson Owens, Joel Shadbolt (L.A.B), Kings, Logan Bell (Katchafire), Pere Wihongi (Maimoa), Rei, Rob Ruha, Stan Walker, Tiki Taane & Troy Kingi.
‘Stay’ is the final result, written, recorded & edited in seven days, remotely combining over 20 of New Zealand’s most exciting and well known artists together with a clear and simple message - “this isn’t forever, we’re in this together”.
All proceeds from ‘Stay’ will be donated to Music Helps, who are doing great things to help those in the music industry affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The idea for ‘Stay’ was inspired by the work of a Uganda music artist that Anaru Mill, Head of government fund Manaaki, had come across in his mahi at COVID Command. Anaru suggested to colleague Te Atawhai Tibble that Kiwi artists should do one. Atawhai called Nadia Marsh, Kaiarahi Puoro at Te Māngai Pāho, to see what could be done. She engaged Mikee Tucker from Loop, and the project began to come together.
“He wairua māhorahora tō te waiata nei, nā te hao kia whakakotahi tātau i a tātau.” (“The spirit of the song is warm & inviting, inspired by the desire to bring people together.”) - Rob Ruha, co-songwriter.
“It’s inspiring to see what can be achieved from lockdown in seven days! A fun project with an important message that utilised the full power of the internet.” - Mikee Tucker of Loop
“Te Māngai Pāho is proud to be able to support this kaupapa. What an achievement to capture so much love and talent in a song in such a short time. We thank and congratulate Mikee Tucker and all the incredible artists whose collaborative breath has given birth to this waiata. Mauri oho, mauri tū, mauri ora!” - Larry Parr, Chairman of Te Māngai Pāho
‘Stay’ Features Anna Coddington Bailey Wiley Hollie Smith Ria Hall Theia Ara Adams-Tamatea (L.A.B) Brad Kora (L.A.B) Fran Kora (Kora) Jackson Owens Joel Shadbolt (L.A.B) Kings Logan Bell (Katchafire) Pere Wihongi (Maimoa) Rei Rob Ruha Stan Walker Tiki Taane Troy Kingi