Tiki Taane with an image of himself at Vector Arena, the venue of tonight's music awards. Photo / Kenny Rodger
The New Zealand Music Awards will be a family affair for Tiki Taane tonight.
Nominated for six awards - the most by a single artist this year - he will be accompanied on the red carpet by three of his "nans".
He will also perform a song from
his first solo album with his "old man" and 40 of his cousins in traditional Maori dress, who will travel by bus from Hamilton.
"It's pretty cool, man. That song Tangaroa is in Maori and all the cousins will be dressed up as warriors," said Taane.
The album, Past, Present, Future, has brought him nominations for album of the year, male solo artist of the year, breakthrough artist of the year, best Aotearoa roots album and best Maori album.
The song Always On My Mind, earned a nomination for single of the year.
As well, director Carey Carter has been nominated for the best music video award for his treatment of Tangaroa.
Taane said said the night was "all about the Flight of the Conchords", - because their success overseas was unmatched.
But the music awards were not the most important thing on his mind as his "on and off" girlfriend of two-and-a-half-years is due to give birth in March.
He said his life was music-focused but he was now looking forward to starting a family.
"I'm going to take care of her and the baby."
To do so he is heading south: "Look out Palmerston North."
The process of recording his award-nominated debut album was also a family affair.
It featured three generations - his Nana, who passed away 15 years ago, his Dad, and himself.
"The album for me was one of those spiritual moments in my life ... when you know there is definitely something else out there."
