Ōtautahi-based, children’s music sister duo, Leah and Siu, of Loopy Tunes, collaborated with the team at E Tū Tāngata to create three new waiata for young tamariki, to help them identify with the organisation's three strands - You Have Value, We Succeed Together and Others Matter.
E Tū Tāngata is an initiative tackling the ever present tall poppy syndrome, that is no stranger to any of us. The three new waiata created is supported by resources created for preschools to help tamariki learn more about E Tū's founding principles.
The songs feature the talented Toa Siulangapo on guitar, with Leah and Siu's own tamariki featuring throughout, and were mixed by Thom O’Connor. They are concise and to the point and are the kind of waiata that you'll find yourself still humming, well after you heard it! Check them out below, and enjoy!
You Are A Taonga - how can you teach a preschooler that they have value? "A taonga is a treasure. It's special, unique, one of a kind."
He Waka Eke Noa - how can you teach a preschooler that we succeed together? "When we do this together, there's really nothing better."
We Are All Different - how can you teach a preschooler that others matter? "Kōrero, talk to them. Whakarongo, listen to them. Akohia, learn about your new friend."
Leah and Siu have been making music for tamariki for nearly 13 years, releasing their first album, Kākāriki – Simply Us, in 2019. The Tongan-Ngāpuhi sisters have a passion for creating music that encourages tamariki to embrace te reo Māori, as well as songs from the Pacific. The pair collaborated with Whānau Āwhina Plunket NZ and Ministry of Pacific Peoples to create 10 Pasifika Beats albums in 10 different pacific languages – the Pasifika Beatz series.