The finalists for the 2018 Waiata Māori Music Awards have just been announced with Ria Hall, Tory Kingi and Rob Ruha all picking up multiple nominations.
Troy Kingi, Ria Hall and Rob Ruha Photo: Supplied
Now in its 11th year, the Waiata Māori Music Awards celebrate excellence in Māori music, as well as acknowledging and honouring the keepers, teachers, promoters, creators and performers of Māori music.
Nominees this year include Ria Hall, Troy Kingi, Rob Ruha, Alien Weaponry, Seth Haapu, Sandy Mill and L.A.B.
Skip to full list of finalists.
The awards were established by the late composer, musician and teacher Tama Huata ONZM (Ngāti Kahungunu), a renowned leader and champion of the Māori Music and performing arts industry. Tama’s daughter Ellison now helms the awards as the Executive Director.
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“The calibre of the finalists in our 11th anniversary year is a great testament to the quality and diversity of Māori composers, musicians and performers that we have in Aotearoa," says Ellison.
"The Waiata Māori Music Awards provide a unique opportunity to celebrate both our traditional and contemporary Māori artists.”
This year’s ceremony will be held on the evening of Friday, September 14th in Hastings at the Clubs Hastings, Cnr of Victoria & Albert Street, Hastings.
Full list of finalists:
Best Māori Female Solo Artist
- Ria Hall
- Sandy Mill
- Huia Hamon
Best Māori Male Solo Artist
- Troy Kingi
- Rob Ruha
- Seth Haapu
Best Māori Traditional Album Te Reo Māori
- Rob Ruha – Survivance
- Maaka – Moeke
- Rei – Rangatira
Best Māori Pop Album
- Troy Kingi – Shake That Skinny As All The Way To Zygertron
- La Coco – You Got Me
- Maaka – Moeke
Best Māori Urban Rap/Hip Hop/Rnb Album
- Rob Ruha – Survivance
- Rei – Rangatira
- La Coco – Love And Other Things Part 2
Best Māori Urban Roots/Reggae Album
- Ria Hall - Rules Of Engagement
- Rob Ruha – Survivance
- Tomorrow People – BBQ Reggae
Best Song By a Māori Artist
- Troy Kingi – 'Aztechknowledgey'
- Rob Ruha – 'Kalega'
- L.A.B. – 'Controller'
Best Māori Songwriter
- Rob Ruha
- L.A.B.
- Seth Haapu
Best Music Video By A Māori Artist
- Vallkyrie – 'Aztec Breath'
- Alien Weaponry – 'Kai Tangata'
- Ria Hall – 'Te Ahi Kai Pō'
- Seth Haapu – 'New Wave'
- Rob Ruha – 'Kalega'
Iconic Award Recipients
Keepers Of Tradition:
- Derek Ladelli
- Dame Georgina Kingi
Lifetime Contribution To Māori Music Awards:
- Monty Cowan
Music Industry Award:
- Carl Perkins
Iconic Māori Music Composers Award – Historical:
- Ngatai Huata
