Music Industry News

2025 Smokefree Tangata Beats winners KOTĀHI TE RĀ are thrilled to announce the release of their debut single and music video ‘Boogie Man’s Disguise’ on Friday 21st August.

Made up of five students from Raukura (Rotorua Boys’ High School), KOTĀHI TE RĀ formed after a last-minute call from their teacher asking them to represent their kura at the Smokefree Tangata Beats Regional Final. With just one day to rehearse, the group needed a name and chose KOTĀHI TE RĀ meaning “One Day”, a reflection of the little time they had to prepare. What started as a one-day opportunity led to them winning 1st place at the 2025 National Finals.

The band features Wepiha Webster (drums), Te Ariki Rogers (bass), Te Irimana Hatu Edmonds Huriwai (guitar), Te Rauna Webster-Tarei (lead guitar), and
Teuamairangi Webster-Tarei (vocals and keyboards). Proudly representing their kura, whānau, and te ao Māori, KOTĀHI TE RĀ are committed to creating music that tells meaningful stories while inspiring others through their journey.

The single and music video was a part of their prize, made possible with support from NZ On Air.

Recorded and mixed by Noema Te Hau III at Roundhead Studios and mastered by Kog, ‘Boogie Man’s Disguise’ was inspired by the controversy surrounding Hobson’s Pledge using an image of a respected Māori kuia wearing her moko kauae on a billboard without her consent. The song speaks to the importance of respecting Māori culture and protecting the mana of our people. At its heart, the track is a call for rangatahi Māori to stand proud of who they are, embrace their culture, and never let anyone diminish their identity.

Lead singer, songwriter and keys player Teuamairangi shares;

“What happened inspired us to speak through music. ‘Boogie Man’s Disguise’ is about standing up for our people, protecting the mana of our culture, and reminding young Māori that our identity is something to be proud of. We want this song to empower rangatahi to stand tall, embrace who they are, and never be afraid to represent their culture. Winning Tangata Beats showed us what can happen when you believe in each other, and this song is just the beginning of our journey.”

Directed by Dave Thomson from Imaginary Friends, the ‘Boogie Man’s Disguise’ video was filmed at the stunning cultural site Te Pā Tū. The core of the video centres on the band’s live performance, captured with rich and atmospheric cinematography. Woven throughout are moments of each band member dressed in traditional attire, connecting the music to their identity and whenua.

Smokefree Tangata Beats is Rockquest Promotions’ (RQP) nationwide platform for original contemporary music that celebrates the identities and cultures of Tangata Whenua and Pasifika communities. Reaching over 15,000 participants and 35,000 audience members annually, RQP is the largest provider of creative arts opportunities outside the classroom.