Award-winning singer and songwriter Theia delivers a scathing haka on her hard-hitting new bi-lingual waiata, ‘Hoki Whenua Mai (Return The Land)’ - the new single from her upcoming debut album.
Listen to ‘Hoki Whenua Mai (Return The Land)’ HERE / Watch the video HERE
On ‘Hoki Whenua Mai (Return The Land)’, Theia sets traditional Māori composition and instrumentation against an alternative/indie soundscape. This is heard loud and clear in the impassioned haka and a resounding pūtaratara (conch) atop marching drums, masterfully conveying the song’s stark sentiment: “Despite two centuries of oppression, we the tangata whenua (people of the land), are still here!”
The powerful message in ‘Hoki Whenua Mai (Return The Land)’ is amplified by a haunting video, in which Theia is flanked by fellow wāhine Māori.
“So often the feminine narrative becomes overlooked when we discuss the plight of indigenous cultures in the face of colonisation. We fail to recognise the deeply harmful impact on women and children and ‘Hoki Whenua Mai (Return The Land)’ speaks directly of these traumas - obviously through the lens of the Māori experience,” Theia says.
The video was filmed in the Waitakere Ranges by Aotearoa-born, UK-based director Ruby Harris and features Te Aniwaniwa Paterson, Kaea Heke, Bobbie Bailey and Eva Mairangi. “We are all in colonial-style dress, appearing as cult-like apparitions held within the forest, portraying uniformity, loss, rage and feminine strength,” says Theia.
‘Hoki Whenua Mai (Return The Land)’, which Theia co-produced with Abraham Kunin (TE KAAHU, Dalai Lama, Home Brew, Jujulipps) follows on from the release of BALDH3AD! a protest anthem, which earned Theia a nod at this year’s Aotearoa Music Awards for ‘Single of the Year’.
Currently based in Los Angeles, Theia will open for pan-continental four-piece Los Bitchos at Zebulon on July 22, where she’ll reveal more new songs. Get tickets here.
‘BALDH3AD!’ and ‘Hoki Whenua Mai (Return The Land)’ will feature on Theia’s upcoming debut album. Stay tuned for the date announcement!