NEXUS
MĀRAKERAKE / 访谈
Te Kaahu Jak Rata
This week, Ētita Hōata sat down with Waikato artist Theia, to discuss her project Te Kaahu o Rangi. They both were able to have an important kōrero around being Māori and producing mahitoi and a wider space. If you want to be able to check her out, head over to her Instagram and have a look at some of what she's producing, and stream her new album, Te Kaahu o Rangi. Nexus: Let’s start off easy as, how are you doing at the moment? With the COVID regulations finally lifting, are you finding yourself busier? True. I would say that you definitely miss performing, especially as an independent musician. It’s one of the easiest ways to connect with new fans and those who’ve been doing the things and supporting me. I guess also it’s a great way to present your craft, your mahi that you’ve worked so hard on. It just rocked my world being able to present this new record, Te Kaahu, in live shows. There’s just something you don’t realise you’re missing, not till you have it back right? I was able to hold a listening party at a friend's art studio, and it was just small with some friends and those supporting my mahi and we just layed out some whāriki. It was just so nice to have that hapori iwi feel and be able to share. Nexus: Tell me more about the meaning behind Te Kaahu me Te Kaahu o Rangi? What is this journey for you? The reason why I decided to set up this project is because with Theia, it’s very experimental and alt-pop but I’d already been composing in reo Māori since I was a teenager. Just recently I had Te Kaiwhakaora O Te Ao that I’d composed and released under Theia and this made me realise that my compositions in mahi reo Māori needed a different space. It’s obviously fine to mix the two, but I wanted to give each project its own mana. For my whānau and nannies that aren’t really into that experimental, in your face alt side of my mahi, I just want them to feel bathed in healing waiata from yesteryear. Each side needs its own mana. Te Kaahu’s whole kaupapa is that honouring of my whakapapa, so it’s just right that they are seperated with being the means of carrying them through. Regarding the actual meaning of Te Kaahu, it obviously means “The Hawk.” But the full name, Te Kaahu o Rangi, Rangi comes from Rangirara, my kui or my dad’s mum. She’s been such a formative part of my life. Rangirara means beyond
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