Huata Wins Best Māori Pop Album!

The 10-tracks in two languages – Māori and English - is Huata's first in the dub and electronica genre, her first bilingual collection of songs and her first in collaboration with top New Zealand musicians Paddy Free and Gareth Farr.

“I went back home to enjoy the event, performance and catch up with whānau and friends ... lovely to receive an award, it was a surprise but a lovely one! With everything we have on, I am very thankful. Many thanks to Pūātatangi - Toi Māori Aotearoa for the award, Te Māngai Pāho for our funding, Waiata Māori Music Awards for looking after us and to all that have supported this journey for Māori music ... mauri ora!”

Currently, Huata is working as executive producer on three Te Māngai Pāho recording projects: two albums - her own album, ‘Tomokia’ and 'Te Manu’ by PAO members Karl, Tangaroa and Te Manea Teariki - produced by Paddy Free; and also 'The Wagner Brothers' EP with Adrian and Marc Wagner - produced by George Nepia III. All projects are run from her Otari Studios in Wellington.

"I’m really happy to assist these artists with their musical aspirations. They will give more flavour for Māori music - from the very sweet vocal styling’s and electronic sound of PAO to the afro-ska reggae sound of the Wagner Brother’s - all wrapped with the beauty of our language.”

‘Hopukia’ and other titles are available at Te Raukura – Wharewaka, Taranaki Wharf, Wellington, JBHI5 and online through http://www.amplifier.co.nz/;http://www.smokecds.com/;www.itunes.apple.com/nz; http://www.marbecksdigital.co.nz/