Music Industry News

Pōneke-based soulful musician Nikau Te Huki (Ngāti Kahungunu ki te Wairarapa) known to audiences as Casual Healing, has today released his soulful EP WAI. This is the third EP from his series of four inspired by Te Taiao – the natural world. Each chapter embodies one of the four elements: AHI (fire) and HAU (wind) being out now, followed by today’s WAI (water) and completing the ambitious cycle, ONE (earth) on December 12.

Off the back of his latest single, the heartfelt anthem ‘Moving Together’, Casual Healing is continuing to showcase the mission of his artistry – to create music that forges deep connections between people, spirit and the natural world – with WAI. Like rainfall from heaven, the anthems of tomorrow are flowing through this young Māori songwriter. WAI is a six track journey of soul, gospel and meditation bursting with inspiring emotion. The EP takes listeners on the journey of water, reminding us of our origins in our mothers womb, and the purifying rainfall that all life depends on. Casual Healing has turned holy water into sound, with WAI we see a work of art that sings to the very essence of our humanity.

2025 marks a significant year for Casual Healing – writing, recording and releasing his four studio EPs that aim to redefine his creative path – and have already been met with acclaim and great warmth from both listeners and the Aotearoa media database

For over 10 years, Nikau Te Huki has embedded human and spiritual intimacy and connection into the foundation of his artistry. The result has yielded incredible musical results that have mirrored life experiences loved, lived and learned from. His solo project Casual Healing made a stunning debut with the 2024 album DRIFTWOOD, which led to sold-out tours and standout performances at SXSW Sydney, Rhythm & Vines, TSB Festival of Lights and more.

Casual Healing is blazing a trail nationwide to indigenise and revitalise the practise of puoro (music). Leading from the heart as an advocate for musicians and artists of all mediums to be valued as practitioners who provide an essential service, claiming – “it’s art that makes the world go around“.

The WAI EP is a pure expression of Aotearoa Soul Music. It is available to listen now via DRM.

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Photo Credit: Mason Rudd