Finalists Announced for 2011 Waiata Maori Music Awards

A mix of international, up and coming and well-known performers make up the mix of this year’s finalists for the 2011 National Waiata Maori Music Awards

National Waiata Maori Music Awards 2011 finalists

Best Maori Traditional Album (Te Reo)
1.Matariki, by Ngahiwi Apanui

2.Kokopu, by Sheree Waitoa

3.Wai ORA, by Wai

4.Nga Waiata o Henare Waitoa, by Henare Waitoa (c) Kahu Waitoa (a)

Best Maori Songwriter
1. Anna Coddington, for her songs, Bolt, Little Islands, Cat & Bird.

2. Ngahiwi Apanui, for his songs, E Te Koka, Te Marama, Everyday.

3. Tki Taane, for his songs, Love Fly with Me, Bloodstone, Light Years Away.

4. The Nok, for their songs, Falling Star, Thank You, Rejoicing.

Best Maori Song
1. Starship Lullaby, by Tiki Taane

2. Kotahi Te Tu, by Sheree Waitoa

3. Sweet As, by Logan and Jordan Bell/Katchafire

4. Thank You, by The Nok

Best Maori Female Solo Artist
1. Anna Coddington

2. Sheree Waitoa

3. Mina Ripia

4. Ngatapa Black

Best Maori Male Solo Artist
1. Tiki Taane
2. Jayson Norris
3. Dennis Marsh
4. Selwyn Rawiwi

Best Maori Pop Album
1.Cat and Bird, by Anna Coddington

2.Freedom Twenty Eight, by Jayson Norris

3.Energy, by Unidub (Wake Matthres, Matthew McKegg, Harley Roberts)

4.The Nok, By Tyna Keelan, Darren Mathiassen, Christopher Yeabsley.

Best Maori Urban Roots Album
1. From Darkness to Light, by NRG Rising

2. Island Vibration, by House of Shem

3. On The Road Again, by Katchafire

4. Sunshine Ave, by Box Juice

Best Maori Urban Rap/Hip Hop/RnB Album
1.The Kumpnee Ball, by The Kumpnee

2.In The World Of Light, by Tiki Taane

3.Tatou Tatou E, by Tatou Tatou E, c/o Huia Hammond

4.Black Light, by Miss Black (Ngatapa) and the Light

Iconic Awards
These are nominated awards released earlier this year.
1. Iconic Maori Composers Award, the late Sir Kingi Ihaka.
2. Maori Music Industry Awards, Frankie Stevens and Ardijah.
3. Lifetime Contribution to Maori Music Award, Mahora Peters, Maori Volcanics.
4. Keeper of Traditions Award, Tihi Puanaki.

There are two award sections yet to be announced:
1. Radio Airplay Record of the Year by a Māori Artist in Te Reo Māori sponsored by Te Whakaruruhau o ngā Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa.

2. Radio Airplay Record of the Year by a Māori Artist sponsored by NZ on Air.