Organisers of Te Matatini, the national Kapa Haka competition, have released a special album featuring 53 festival favourites.
Among the songs is the People’s Choice Award winner, which has been viewed 6.6 million times online. The album brings together performances from all the groups that took part in the event.
Naia Awatea from Te Kuru Marutea was surprised by the song’s popularity. “You never expect it to be you,” she said, adding that the song held deep meaning for her and her group. “Once we realised everyone felt it, even through the phone, that’s crazy.”
The music has touched people worldwide, with fans from as far as Alaska and Canada reaching out. Awatea said many listeners feel a strong connection to home after hearing the songs.
Young people in New Zealand are also enjoying the album. Auckland teacher Bailee Raukura Tava said her students are excited about the music. “They’re like, ‘Whaea Bailee, you’re famous!'” she shared with a laugh.
Even Awatea’s three-year-old daughter loves the album. “She runs over and says, ‘Mama’s waiata!'”
