Music Industry News

The Waiata Māori Music Awards Trust is delighted to announce that two iconic figures in Māori music, Wyn Anania and Toni Huata, will be honoured at this year’s 18th National Waiata Māori Music Awards. The ceremony will take place this coming Friday, 14th November, at the Toi Toi HB Arts & Events Centre in Hastings in collaboration with the Toitu Te Reo and NKRAC Haka Symposium.

Wyn Anania will be awarded the prestigious Te Tohu o te Ahumahi Pūoro, recognising his significant contributions to the New Zealand music industry. With a career spanning several decades, Wyn has become a pivotal figure in promoting and producing Māori music. His work is characterised by a deep understanding of Māori culture and music.

As a talented producer, Wyn has played an instrumental role in the creation of numerous award-winning albums, collaborating with a diverse range of artists across various genres. His dedication to uplifting the voices of Māori musicians and promoting te reo Māori has left a lasting impact on the industry.

Wyn’s commitment to nurturing talent has established him as a mentor within the music community. He has invested time and effort into helping emerging artists refine their craft, ensuring future generations of Māori musicians can thrive and share their unique stories.

“Wyn Anania’s exceptional contributions to the music industry exemplify his passion for Māori culture and his dedication to preserving te reo Māori”, spokesperson for the Waiata Māori Music Awards Trust. “We are honoured to recognise Wyn’s invaluable work and celebrate his legacy at this year’s awards.”

Simultaneously, acclaimed Māori artist Toni Huata will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, acknowledging her immense contributions to Māori music and performance. Her illustrious career, which began in the late 1990s, has significantly shaped the landscape of Māori language music.

Toni’s journey took off when she collaborated with Charles Te Ahukaramu Royal, whose album He Tohu Mauriora represented a ground breaking moment as the first Māori language music recorded digitally. This collaboration marked the beginning of Toni’s remarkable influence in the industry.

Renowned for her theatrical prowess, Toni captured the attention of Jim Moriarty early in her career. With his guidance, she navigated various touring shows, enhancing her stage presence and connection with diverse audiences across New Zealand.

Toni’s artistic journey also includes notable productions such as Māui: One Man Against The Gods, where she showcased her extraordinary talents in the role of Hinenui Te Pō, incorporating innovative aerial performances that captivated audiences.

Her collaborations with esteemed artists, including George Nepia III and Sima Urale, have further propelled her career. George, known as DJ Mu, contributed to her first album, while Sima’s direction of the music video for ‘Ko Wai Ka Hua’ highlighted Toni’s artistic vision.

In addition to these collaborations, Toni has worked with talented musicians like Warren Maxwell, who added his saxophone artistry to her albums, and Maaka McGregor, whose production brought out the best in her second album, Mauri To.

“Toni Huata’s contributions to Māori culture and music are incredibly significant, and her dedication to promoting te reo Māori through her artistry has paved the way for future generations”, spokesperson for the Waiata Māori Music Awards Trust. “We are thrilled to honour her remarkable legacy at this year’s awards.”

Join us in celebrating the achievements of Wyn Anania and Toni Huata at the 18th National Waiata Māori Music Awards on Friday, 14th November. The event promises to be a vibrant celebration of Māori music, honouring the incredible contributions of these two iconic artists and their commitment to enriching the Māori music landscape of Aotearoa.

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