MOKOMOKAI return with the release of PONO!, their third studio album. A slow-burning, soul-infused project that captures mood, memory, and truth, in nine rich and immersive tracks. Led by Manu (Eno x Dirty), alongside producers DUSTY & GHOS, the group continues to define their own lane with poetic lyricism over lush, atmospheric production rooted in soul and Polynesian influence.
In te reo Māori, “pono” can be translated as true, honest, or sincere. Producer DUSTY explains to Laura McInnes from Sniffers in their latest interview: “Back in the day, when we were younger, if someone was telling you something and you thought they were lying, you’d say, ‘Pono?’— and that was always kind of the truth indicator.”
The focus single, THE ONE arrives with a cinematic music video directed by Ray Edwards. Shot between the intimate setting of listening bar Kemuri Hi-Fi and the historic Grey Lynn, the visual immerses viewers in MOKOMOKAI’s carefully crafted universe, where the nostalgic soul of old-school sounds meets the dynamic pulse of inner-city life. It’s a seamless blend of past and present, brought to life through a lens that feels both grounded and visionary.
Pono brings together an exceptional lineup of talent, each artist contributing their raw truths and lived experiences to the project. On HONE SNOW, Lukan Raisey delivers a smooth, introspective verse, while Mā lends their signature soulful spoken word to the title track, PONO. The features finish with a powerful collaboration on WINGS, uniting the distinctive voices of the inimitable Mara TK, Lui Tuiasau (of @Peace), and Tyra Hammond (of Opensouls). It's a powerful showcase of artists to celebrate the rich and diverse artistry flourishing here in Aotearoa.
Building on the momentum of their acclaimed album Whakarehu — which earned a Te Tino Waiata o te Tau Single of the Year nomination at the 2025 Aotearoa Music Awards for KUPE — Pono signals a striking evolution for MOKOMOKAI. It’s a bold artistic statement: raw yet refined, unflinchingly original. In a saturated musical landscape, the trio stands out by proving that growth doesn’t mean losing your edge, and that authenticity still cuts through the noise.
Watch THE ONE music video now — made with support from NZ On Air.