Music Industry News

Aotearoa songbird, Betty-Anne (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Whātua, Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāi Te Rangi, Tainui and Tūwharetoa), spreads her wings with the release of her debut solo single, ‘You Remain’.

Originally written by whānau friend Shaylise Potini, ‘You Remain’ captures the moment between holding on and letting go.

“Shaylise played her waiata for me three years ago and it reached right into my heart,” says Betty-Anne. “We all know what it feels like to lose someone or something and still feel their presence with us.”

Working with mātanga reo, Numia Ponika-Rangi (Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Porou), the track is re-imagined as ‘Pūmau Tonu Koe’, releasing on December 5. The reo Māori counterpart deepens that reflection through the unique rhythm and beauty of the language.

“The beauty of our reo is that it can carry so much emotion in so few words. I just love the poetry and imagery it conveys.”

Betty-Anne brings the waiata to life alongside her tamariki, who support her on backing vocals. Together, this track captures the strength, vulnerability and warmth that have long defined Betty-Anne’s voice.

Formerly the lead singer of Ardijah, Betty-Anne has been synonymous with generations of soul and polynesian funk listeners, captivating audiences across Aotearoa and abroad for decades. Now at 60, she is stepping into her own artistic identity and is ready to share more of her personal life and stories through her music.

‘You Remain’ and ‘Pūmau Tonu Koe’ are the first of several singles she will release over the coming months, before dropping her first solo album, Slow Burn in early 2026.

“This album is 40 years in the making. Every single lyric and note carries a piece of my journey and who I am,” she says.

‘You Remain’ is available on all major streaming platforms now. ‘Pūmau Tonu Koe’ follows on 5 December.

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