Māori fusion artist Riqi Harawira has released a music video that draws on footage from NZ Wars: The Stories of Ruapekapeka and is funded by Te Māngai Pāho.
Harawira is a lot of things: a guitarist, a counsellor, a storyteller, a former addict who practicies his rehab daily, a teacher, a survivor, and a warrior.
Ruapekapeka - Riqi Harawira, Creative Nātive Photo: Riqi Harawira / Creative Nātive
He is both Māori and Pākekā, a New Zealander who is proud of all he is and proud of his nation.
Riqi strives to be a unifying force through his teaching and his music. He wields his guitar like a taiaha (Guitaiaha) and melds rock, funk, and reggae as he tells both his story and ours.
Launched on Friday 12 June 2020, "Ruapekapeka" is his latest offering, a powerful, Guitaiaha-driven rock anthem with tribal chorus chants which hook you immediately. It's laden with beautifully executed playing which weaves into your being.
The song carries a palpable mana with it that reminds of the famous northern battle between the colonials under Governor-General Grey and the combined forces of Kawiti and Hone Heke.
The former Dead Flowers lead guitarist has found his voice too, stepping in front of the microphone and unleashing a mighty tone every bit as striking as his work on the fretboard.
In "Ruapekapeka," Riqi has delivered a truly striking piece of work that will have crowds pumping their fists in the air and straining their vocal chords like some contemporary national anthem.
Riqi Harawira is many things, but first and foremost he is the Creative Nātive, and this is the first taste of what is to come from his third solo album.
[click for NZ Wars: The Stories of Ruapekapeka]
| Twitter: @riqi_harawira | Instagram: @creativ_native | Facebook: @riqiharawiracreativenative | www.riqiharawira.com |
Photo: Te Māngai Pāho
Ruapekapeka Photo: Riqi Harawira / Creative Nātive
