Mōhau – a gospel-inspired visual album – was released on YouTube and social
media in December 2019. Today, the album is available to iwi radio and digital
platforms for playlisting.
Māori artists Rob Ruha, Ria Hall, Troy Kingi, Bella Kalolo, Majic Paora, Kaaterama
and East Coast Tira Waiata sensation Ka Hao united to create Mōhau,
a powerful live recording of eight uplifting waiata whakamoemiti (gospel
songs). Recorded in a single take at Parachute Music studios, the raw soul of
the performers is captured superbly by music maestros Mark de Jong and Nic
Manders.
“There is something to be said about the quickening of a live show: the
electric and spontaneous nature of the performance, the hearts that submit so
freely to unity, to the music, to each other and to the audience.” Rob Ruha
says in describing the recording process. “It is at that point that us artists
reach out for divine inspiration to lift us beyond the heights what we think we
are physically capable of reaching.”
All songs have been composed in te reo Māori and draw inspiration from Māori
faith, spirit and community.
Mōhau was a joint venture production between
InDigiNation Music, Parachute Music and Oati. Proudly supported by Wilberforce
Foundation and Te Māngai Pāho.