Matariki is upon us here in Aotearoa. On Thursday just gone I attended by two sons’ school’s Matariki celebration, and the tamariki sang two waiata following the karakia. It occurred to me how beautiful Te Reo is, in song and in everyday discourse. I found myself smiling without realising it.

I’m very much a fan of music sung in the indigenous language of the country of origin of the artist delivering it. There are some on our world – and our country – who seem to be mistaken as to what the true moral and legal rights of indigenous people are and should be, and should be honoured – especially when promised by an incoming people looking to share the land. Anyway, soap box away and onto Murimuri Aroha, Reed‘s new single.

Sasha Te Whare (proud Ngāti Maniapoto), is Reed, a producer and musician based in Tāmaki Makaurau. Having performed around the region for some considerable time, he’s honed his skills and this follows his debut EP release last year (2023). This track shines all the brighter because of it.

There’s a grand ol’ Roland 808 keeping time for us under some sweet understated synths and guitars – and the lyrics sung entirely in Te Reo (hence the paragraphs above). Sasha says he couldn’t imagine the song working in English, and what struck me indeed was how beautifully it flowed as a composition with the Te Reo vocal. For the meaning of the song, let’s get it from Sasha via the EPK: “MURIMURI AROHA is a song of grief and the end of a romantic relationship,” says Sasha. “It was an exaggeration of what was going on in my life at that point in time. My partner was leaving for Whāngarei to fulfil her dream job the week before I attended Song Hubs so there were a lot of emotions building up to that point. We were set on making it work but there was always that question of what if this doesn’t work out.”

The video on YouTube is cool. It’s a physical journey in the back of a caravan or camper, and the artist shows his emotions about the subject of the song. Luke Penney directed, and you can find the detailed info on the vid creation in the end credits. Not really much else I want to say as I don’t do spoilers. Pop onto YouTube and give it your eye.

It’s got a gorgeous melody, sung in a lilting tenor. We have some nice, subtle BVs, and this is going to make you sing along. I see this being sung at any gathering of the whānau. It’s got a beautiful catchiness to it that lends itself to a collective vocal performance. It’s out now so pop onto YouTube or Spotify and check out what I mean.

Absolutely a hit for Reed. Mai FM is going to have to run with this, as well as 95bFM, RadioActive et al. Kapai Reed. Do more of this stuff!