Seth Haapu. Picture supplied
An evening with award-winning artist and producer Seth Haapu is wrapped in aroha, healing and connection.
His music, which is part of the Whiti offering from Te Tairāwhiti Arts Festival, is a rich, sensuous and evocative blend of Pacific soul rhythm with a laidback poly funk vibe.
“It is an invitation to relax and enjoy an island way of life that is rich in culture, community and in harmony with nature,” says Seth.
This concert is a homecoming of sorts for Seth, connecting back to his whakapapa in Whāngārā where the Haapu name is widely known. He has Māori and Tahitian ancestry, and was raised in Whanganui.
His album Whai Ora was touted as one of the best of 2023 and earned him the Kaitito Waiata Māori Autaia (best Māori songwriter) at the Waiata Māori Music Awards.
“That was a huge honour,” he says.
“A lot of our music out of Aotearoa is amazing and unique to who we are and talks about our stories.”
Seth says that some of the biggest accolades he received for Whai Ora came from those listening to his music who sent messages to him.
“They were so powerful about how they connected with the words. It is good to know it is resonating in the most special place — the hearts of those listening.”
In 2021 Seth’s collaboration with Maisey Rika earned him the 2021 APRA Maioha Award.
“I am in awe and admiration of the songwriters and musicians I connect with, so to even be considered in that same realm is incredibly humbling.”
He works extensively in the music industry, creating songs and producing for artists like Stan Walker, Maisey, Sons of Zion and Teeks, among many others.
“I find working with people and writing music with them to be a sacred experience. It is a very special state of creativity and I do love that.”
Arts festival director Tama Waipara describes Seth as one of the most sophisticated and intelligent musicians he has encountered.
“Seth’s voice is like mercury and the way he wields his musicality inside his songwriting and performances is masterful,” said Tama. “I can’t wait for our audiences to get to hear more of this brilliant musician.”
Seth also works in film and television and is a psychologist, which he says is a very big part of his life.
“That curiosity about our ability to love, survive and connect is something I have always been passionate about. It has made its way fluidly through my music and back into the wellbeing mahi I do.”
Seth (Ngāti Porou, Tūwharetoa and Te Āti Haunui-ā-Pāpārangi) draws inspiration from the Pacific islands, “from those who generally share a respect for the land and an understanding how our wellbeing is connected to that. It is a shared sense of community.”
When he first visited Tahiti and Whāngārā he felt a true sense of belonging. Those connections were key in the creation of Whai Ora. His last record was in 2011 and his inspiration for the new songs was reconnecting with his cultural identity, visiting ancestral sites and learning more about his whakapapa.
He feels immense pride in being able to authentically share the story, music and themes behind his songs.
“For me it comes back to the core of reconnection, healing and aroha. There is a bravery and courage to be able to share those messages in very tough and extraordinary times.”
Seth’s February 2 performance is the first solo headline show he has done in Te Tairāwhiti.
“I am very excited to come home and reconnect with whānau and my community there. It will reawaken and reignite some of the relationships that have existed long before me.”
He’s promising a “healing experience” at his show.
“Music to me is a way to wellbeing. It is stories shared and messages of home . . . and very calming.”
WHAT: Seth Haapu – Whai Ora
WHEN: 2 February, 7.30pm
WHERE: Lawson Field Theatre
TICKETS: www.tetairawhitiartsfestival.nz