Children’s music duo, Leah and Siu, of Loopy Tunes, were invited to record a waiata based on lyrics penned by well-known New Zealand children's author, Peter Millett, for his latest book release, "A Kiwi Went To Sea, Sea, Sea".
The book introduces us to New Zealand sea animals in te reo Māori that tamariki may meet while out at sea. The tune is based on the classic, "A Sailor Went To Sea", that has been around for decades, and is often heard in the playground as a well-known (and loved!) clapping game!
This is another ear-worm from the sisters, that features their brother, Massey Williams, on trumpet, and a great hornpipe-like melody on the recorder towards the end of the waiata. Be sure to check out the delightful music video, created by the author himself! Tamariki across Aotearoa are going to love it!
Leah and Siu have been making music for tamariki for nearly 14 years, releasing the first album in their 'Rainbow Collection' of children's waiata, "Kākāriki: Simply Us", in 2019, and their second, "Whero: Kirihimete|Kilisimasi", in 2022. 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 for Pacific Peoples in 2021 to create 10 Pasifika Beats albums in 10 different pacific languages – the Pasifika Beatz series.
All that they do reflects this kaupapa and the duo hope to inspire even more tamariki through this waiata.
This song was released on all digital streaming platforms on Friday, 28 April, 2023. Check out the lyric video, here, created by Peter Millett. Peter's book was released on Monday, 1 May, 2023, and can be purchased, here.
Song release link: https://bfan.link/a-kiwi-went-to-sea-sea-sea