Aotearoa award-winning singer-producer AJA (Ngāti Raukawa, Te Ati Awa ki Whakarongotai, Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ngāti Porou) has today released her moving new te reo Māori waiata + beautiful video ‘Te Reo ki Whakarongotai’.
This heartfelt, indigenous RnB waiata pays tribute to the profound love AJA holds for her ancestral home in Waikanae on the Kāpiti Coast. Written by her Uncle Kahu Ropata, AJA’s older sister Trey Ropata composed the tune which was then developed by AJA, Kahu and Natasha Ropata - making ‘Te Reo ki Whakarongotai’ a very special taonga to their whānau.
The waiata speaks of knowledge passed down through wānanga and encourages listeners to immerse themselves in the distinct language of Ātiawa ki Whakarongotai - the marae and iwi to which AJA belongs. It celebrates the revival and preservation of knowledge, language, tikanga and traditions - beautifully capturing the deep connection to roots and treasures of language. “The lyrics symbolise the plume of knowledge that spans the heavens,” says AJA. “‘Te Reo ki Whakarongotai’ is like ‘...te paki o Matariki…’ an adornment in the sky; a brooch worn by Ranginui (the Sky Father) himself. This song is a product of the vast wisdom inherited from generations before.”
‘Te Reo ki Whakarongotai’ was made with the support of Te Māngai Pāho and NZ on Air; recorded in the Wellington home studio of producer, singer and musician, Mara TK (Electric Wire Hustle, Meeting House Records); and mastered by Bennytones (Ben Horton) of Organik Music.
Also being released today is a captivating piece of cinematography that brings this special waiata to life visually. Filmed at Whakarongotai, full of whānau and iwi, this immersive video was directed by Tola Newbery, filmed by Isaac Te Reina and Tama Kawha - who also edited it. The video transports viewers to the heart of an authentic family gathering. Through both direction and cinematography, it skillfully captures the unfiltered vitality of AJA’s people - showcasing belonging, identity, and the enduring power of Māoritanga. “This was a special whānau gathering at our marae during the covid pandemic,” says AJA. “We were able to shoot this video and capture the importance of whanaungatanga during a hard time.”
‘Te Reo ki Whakarongotai’ is the latest in a line of impressive releases and shows from AJA, including her recently released single ‘Feel It’ (RadioScope Alt Chart, SRN Chart, NZ on Air New Tracks, RNZ, Mai, Whakaata Māori), headlining Newtown Festival, performing at Cuba Dupa, the Matariki Awards and opening Kia Mau Festival. AJA (Aja Wairere Ropata) is an industry professional in both Māori education and music. In Matariki 2019 AJA released her debut single 'Non-Handler', followed by her second single 'Kāwai' in NZ Music Month 2020. In 2022 she was presented with the esteemed APRA Maioha Silver Scroll Award for waiata ‘Te Iho’ - which was composed alongside Byllie-Jean and Chris Wethey. First-time finalist and winner, AJA says it was another proud moment elevating contemporary waiata reo Māori. AJA’s voice and musical arrangements speak to a wide audience. With a much-anticipated debut album being worked on alongside Mara TK, AJA is an artist to follow!