In our recent Mātauranga session, we explored the intersection of music and technology with two accomplished artists: Huia Hamon (Ngāti Porou, Te-Aitanga-A-Mahaki, Ngāti Kahungunu, Uawa, Hauiti) and Rei (Callum Rei McDougall) (Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Huia, Ngāti Pākehā).
These talented creators shared their journeys, challenges, and insights into how mātauranga Māori and digital tools are shaping the future of music in Aotearoa and beyond.
Huia, co-founder of Kog Studio and a champion of te reo Māori electronic and ambient music, has witnessed the evolution of the music industry from manual CD distributions to today’s global digital platforms. Her work highlights the power of blending traditional Māori narratives with cutting-edge production techniques, offering a unique voice in both local and international music scenes.
Her current mahi focuses on expanding global networks for te reo Māori music, attending expos to showcase the innovation and creativity of indigenous artists. Reflecting on her journey, Huia emphasised the importance of embracing technology without losing sight of cultural values, noting that Māori are often at the forefront of creativity due to their community-driven approach and resilience.
Rei, a dynamic singer, rapper, and producer, shared his evolution from writing acoustic tracks as a teenager to creating future-focused, genre-blending music. With his distinct bilingual style, Rei has become a pioneer in incorporating haka rhythms, Māori instrumentation, and modern electronic sounds into his tracks.
Rei’s use of platforms like TikTok and social media to promote his music underscores the potential of digital tools to amplify Māori voices in the global music industry. He encouraged emerging artists to start with what they have, whether it’s a phone or free production apps and to prioritise consistency over perfection.
Both Huia and Rei discussed the challenges Māori artists face, particularly within traditional media spaces in Aotearoa. They highlighted the lack of support for te reo Māori music on mainstream and iwi radio stations, despite growing international interest in indigenous languages and sounds.
However, they also celebrated the openness of rangatahi to new sounds and styles, noting that digital platforms offer a powerful way to bypass traditional barriers and connect directly with audiences.
Their key message to aspiring artists was clear: write great songs, embrace technology, and stay consistent. Huia reminded us that crafting meaningful music takes time and perseverance, while Rei emphasised the importance of building a presence on social media and releasing music regularly.
Huia beautifully summed up why Māori thrive in this space: “We’re fearless. We have a vision not just for ourselves, but for our community and culture. It’s about carrying our whānau with us and creating something bigger than ourselves.”
