Brace yourself for a music and visual experience as Caesar Mafuta shares his highly anticipated Afrobeat single 'Aroha.' The single is a stunning mosaic of sound that pays homage to Māori culture and Māori; the original inheritors of Aotearoa, while igniting a spirit of unity for people and lands that share a similar colonial history.
As you sway to the steady melody, you'll find yourself entwined in a beautiful symphony of Te Reo Māori, Shona, and English.
As the echoes of 'Aroha' fill the air, this release is just a prelude to the stories Caesar Mafuta has yet to share. Following his 2023 debut singles 'Far Away' and 'No Wahala,' 'Aroha' paves the way for an exciting series of upcoming releases. Accompanied by a stunning music video directed by Gael Lanigan; inspired by medieval times, Lord of The Rings, and Narnia. While these visuals showcase the artist's adoration of cinema, the setting of the forest plays into something deeper. This setting is where tāngata whenua trace back the first human life and love; thus, it pays homage to Māori culture which the artist has beautifully interwoven into the single, artwork, and music video.
Reflecting on his single artwork, Caesar Mafuta shares, "My attire symbolises the pride I feel in being a Zimbabwean-New Zealander. The armour represents the barriers I faced to find my myself, and the sword signifies my triumph over adversity."
Beyond the afrobeat and visuals, 'Aroha' carries a profound message of cultural preservation and inner resilience. Moved by the artist's experiences migrating and growing up in New Zealand, Caesar Mafuta envisions 'Aroha' as a bridge, connecting Te Reo Māori, Shona, and Afrobeat, all bearing legacies that deserve recognition.
'Aroha' is an embodiment of cultural fusion and artistic expression. It's a reminder that amidst the kaleidoscope of life, music remains a universal language that can unite us all.