“When you hear a lot of languages and a lot of cultures, like whether it’s Indian, Chinese, you name it, they’re not afraid to speak in their own language, doesn’t matter where they are in the world.”
Tū mai te Reo was number nine currently on the New Zealand Hot Top 20 Singles and was third on the te reo Māori charts.
“It’s about holding on to your roots, knowing where you come from, and not being afraid. For myself, our language It’s one of those spiritual connections to our ancestors and gifts,” Hiini said.
Hiini said TOHU wanted the song to be relatable to everyone.
“I wanted to create an easy listening song that people could understand the lyrics whether you, you know, matatau (fluent) or you’re just beginning.
“We also wanted to replicate the three main languages in Aotearoa, te reo Māori. English, and sign language so you can feel part of it, whether you understand it or not.”
Formed last December, the band from Rotorua also included Trojan-John Te Rehu-Tuki (Tūhourangi, Ngāti Wāhiao) on guitar and vocals, Jonelle Williams (Ngāti Whātua) on drums, Elizabeth Chia on keyboards/vocals, and Jeamal Murray-Hohua on bass/vocals.
Hiini said TOHU brought together more than 60 years of experience sustaining a bilingual culture and language through music. When it was formed, the band wanted to put cultural values at the forefront.
“We believe in our values. We strive to commit to that, and that’s manaakitanga (care for each other), whanaungatanga (community), aroha (love), auahatanga (creativity), and kōrero (communication).
“We’re just riding the wave and enjoying this moment for what it is. We’re just truly blessed to be able to do what we love doing.”
