Teeks (Te Karehana Gardiner-Toi) shares a sublime version of ‘First Time’, performed live at The Civic, Auckland onboard the chart-topping Māori artist’s ‘Something To Feel’ New Zealand Tour. The landmark show held on one of the city’s most iconic heritage stages, saw the celebrated performing artist bare his soul to a sold-out audience.
“Teeks has an uncanny knack for singing with a gravitas that makes you feel like you are in a stadium, but at the same time as if he is singing for you and you only” – New Zealand Herald
“His ballads, like soothing balms for heartache, and his stage presence, endearing and utterly likeable, are universally appealing – and his motley crew crowd are a testament to that” – Stuff
A fan favourite from his debut #1 album and on board the six-date national tour, which saw sold out venues in Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington, ‘First Time’ has captured hearts outside of Aotearoa, becoming somewhat of a favourite for a newly burgeoning fan base in South Africa. Over the weekend, the video has soared with over 20,000 views.
The track took off when shared by South African actor Natasha Thahane to her 2.4 million Twitter followers, where it went on to top South African streaming charts and gained supportive airplay across the country’s airwaves, hitting #1 on South African iTunes single chart, #2 on South African Apple Music, and clearing South Africa’s Spotify Top 20. Additionally, the song has had over 35 million views on TikTok.
Teeks rides the wave of ‘Something To Feel’ with nominations for Best Māori Solo Artist Award, Best Māori Songwriter, Best Māori Pop Album and Best Music Video (‘Younger’) at this year’s Waiata Māori Music Awards