Waiata Māori Music Awards 2023 Finalists Announced

Recognising the diversity and excellence of Māori music in Aotearoa, the finalists have been announced for the 16th National Waiata Māori Music Awards. Frontrunners include Perth via Papakura band of brothers Coterie and Gisborne / Tairāwhiti's Tuari Brothers, who are both finalists in five categories, while Seth Haapu and Rei are finalists for four awards. Happening in September, the theme for this year's awards event is Nā parekura ko kahukura ("disasters are blue") — acknowledging "the ongoing impact Cyclone Gabrielle has inflicted on East Coast communities this year".

"Together, the phrase Nā parekura ko kahukura reminds us that even in the face of tragedy and adversity, there is always the potential for growth and renewal. It encourages us to look for the rainbow after the storm, and to hold onto hope for a brighter future.

This year we also want to use our key music events as a medium to inspire people during their recovery journey. We want them to see there is light at the end of the tunnel and to hold on to hope for a brighter future." — Waiata Māori Music Awards executive directo Ellison Huata

Waiata Māori Music Awards 2023 Finalists

TE TOHU KAIPUORU TE REO MĀORI
BEST TE REO MĀORI ALBUM

Chey Milne - Whaikōrero Raps 2
Rei - ARIKI
ORA (Origin Roots Aotearoa) - He Reo Ora
Tuari Brothers - Rongo

TE TOHU KAIPŪORU MĀORI NOHO TAONE AUTAIA
BEST HIP HOP ALBUM BY A MAORI ARTIST

Rei - ARIKI
Tuari Brothers - Rongo
Chey Milne - Whaikōrero Raps 2
Tipene - We No Muck Around

TE TOHU KŌPAEROA AUTAIA
BEST ROOTS REGGAE ALBUM BY A MAORI ARTIST

NLC - On the Fly
Israel Starr - Keepers of the flame
ORA (Origin Roots Aotearoa) - He Reo Ora
Chad Chambers - Nāti Shores

TE TOHU KAIPŪORU ARATINI MĀORI AUTAIA
BEST MAORI POP ALBUM

Valkyrie - Joyride
Tuari Brothers - Rongo
Rei - ARIKI
Coterie - Coterie

TE TOHU MANU TIORIORI TĀNE AUTAIA
BEST MAORI MALE SOLO ARTIST

Seth Haapu
Rākai Whauwhau
Rei
Mohi
Tipene

TE TOHU MANU TIORIORI WAHINE AUTAIA
BEST MAORI FEMALE SOLO ARTIST

Jordyn With a Why
Nikau Grace
Raiha Moetara
Te KuraHuia

TE TOHU RŌPŪ MĀ0RI AUTAIA
BEST MĀORI GROUP

Coterie
Tuari Brothers
ORA (Origin Roots Aotearoa)
Lost Tribe Aotearoa

TE TOHU O TE WAIATA MĀORI HIRA
BEST SONG BY A MAORI ARTIST AWARD

L.A.B - Take it away
Tuari Brothers - E Tama
Jordyn With A Why - Raumati
Seth Haapu - Rongoa
Coterie - Always beside you (featuring six60)

TE TOHU ATAATA AUTAIA
BEST MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR BY A MAORI ARTIST

Seth Haapu - Tropical
Tuari Brothers/Taktix Film - E Tama
Valkyrie - Lights go down
Coterie - De Ja vu

TE TOHU O TE KAITITIO WAIATA MĀORI AUTAIA
BEST MAORI SONGWRITER

L.A.B - Take it away
Seth Haapu - Rongoa
Tuari Brothers - Rongomarua and Tuari ki te ao
Coterie - Always beside you (featuring Six60)