New Zealand Musicians Champion Te Reo Māori Through Contemporary Music

In 2025, a significant cultural moment occurred when New Zealand reclaimed the Guinness World Record for the largest haka at Eden Park, reflecting broader engagement with te reo Māori. This aligns with census data showing a 15% increase in Māori language speakers since 2018. Several musical artists are contributing to this revitalization through their work. Mokotron, the project of producer Tiopira McDowell, won the Taite Music Prize for his 2024 album 'Waerea,' which incorporates traditional instruments and themes. Theia, also known as Te Kaahu, addresses colonial history in her 2025 single 'BALDH3AD!' and album 'Girl, In A Savage World.' GreatSouth blends indie-rock with te reo, while Geneva AM released the bilingual album 'Pikipiki' in 2025. The hip-hop group Mokomokai references Māori heritage in their 2023 album 'Whakarehu.' Other artists like Marlon Williams, Alien Weaponry, and Hinewehi Mohi also play roles in this cultural shift, using music to reshape national identity and promote language preservation.