The 17th National Waiata Māori Music Awards will be a celebration of Aotearoa - New Zealand's leading Māori music artists, performers, and songwriters.
The events Executive Director - Ellison Huata, has released the names of this year’s finalists showcasing a diverse mix of talented, emerging, and accomplished musicians, composers, and performers in the Māori music industry. This marks the start of Te Marama Pūoru Waiata Māori – Māori Music Month (August), ahead of the awards event scheduled for Friday, 6th September at the Toi Toi Hawkes Bay Arts and Events Centre.
The theme for the 2024 awards is ‘Toitū te Toiere’.
‘'Toitū te Toiere’ is a powerful statement that emphasises the importance of preserving and protecting the messages within our waiata. It is a call to ensure that our voices and the messages we convey through music remain undisturbed and continue to inspire and empower our people to decolonise their minds. Just as 'Toitū te Tiriti', 'Toitū te Māori Mana Motuhake', and 'Toitū Te Reo' have highlighted important themes in our journey towards cultural resurgence, 'Toitū te Toiere' reminds us of the significance of our music in carrying forward our stories, teachings, and aspirations. Let us uphold and safeguard the integrity of our waiata, for they carry the essence of who we are and the dreams we hold for future generations.
Anna Coddington, Mahina Lawrence, Paige, Te Kura Huia, and newcomer Haanaa are finalists for Best Māori Female Solo Artist. The male contenders are, former winners Mohi, Rei, Seth Haapu, Hori Shaw, and Shane Walker are finalists for Best Māori Male Solo Artist. The depth and breadth of talent within the Māori music industry are evident in this year's nominations, showcasing the richness and diversity of Māori music and its contribution to the cultural resurgence and storytelling of our people.
The National Waiata Māori Music Awards continue to be a platform for honouring and celebrating the excellence and creativity of Māori musicians, further solidifying their place in the music industry and in the hearts of the people.
17th Annual Waiata Māori Music Awards Finalists
2024
Te Tohu o te Kaitito Waiata | Best Māori Song Writer
Mahina Lawrence
Coterie
Rei
Seth Haapu
Haanaa
Te Tohu Ataata Autaia | Best Music Video by a Māori Artist
Grove Roots - Toitū Te Tiriti
1 Drop Nation - Moment in Time
Coterie – Paradise
Aro - Tōtara
Rei - Toitū
Seth Haapu - Whai Ora
Te Tohu Kaipūoru Aratini Māori Autaia | Best Pop Album by a Māori Artist
Aro - He Rākau, He Ngārara
Anna Coddington - Te Whakamiha
Te Paea Seasons - Seasons
Te Tohu Kaipūoru Māori Noho Taone Autaia | Best Hip Hop & RnB Album by a Māori Artist
C33Y - Find Your Way
Diaz Grimm - Māui & the Sin
Te Paea Seasons - Seasons
Seth Haapu - Whai Ora
Te Tohu Kōpae Reo Māori Autaia | Best Te Reo Māori Album
Aro - He Rākau, He Ngārara
MOHI - Elements of Aroha
Anna Coddington - Te Whakamiha
Te Tohu Kōpaeroa Autaia | Best Māori Urban Roots Reggae Album
Come on Up - Fyah-brations
NLC - Journey
1 Drop Nation - Moment In Time
Te Tohu Manu Tioriori Tāne Autaia | Best Māori Male Solo Artist
MOHI
Rei
Seth Haapu
Hori Shaw
Shane Walker
Te Tohu Manu Tioriori Wahine Autaia | Best Māori Female Solo Artist
Te KuraHuia
Mahina Lawrence
Anna Coddington
Paige
Haanaa
Te Tohu o te Waiata Māori Hira | Best Single by a Māori Artist
MOHI - Me Pēhea Rā
Mahina Lawrence - 7 Seas
Anna Coddington - Kātuarehe
Seth Haapu - Whai Ora
Coterie - Paradise
Te Tohu Rōpū Māori Autaia | Best Māori Group
Corrella
Coterie
1 Drop Nation