Rei has just dropped a new dnb/jungle te reo banger, Te Whakapono featuring Huia. Produced by Tom Lee of Lee Mvthews, this waiata is from Rei’s brand new 14 track reo album called ARIKI. Te Whakapono translates to ‘belief’ or ‘trust’ and sometimes has religious connotations. In Te Whakapono, Huia and Rei sing about how music and can give us that kotahitanga, that unity and oneness, outside of the confines of religion. Kotahitanga te rongoa, let unity be our healing.
ARIKI is the evolution from Reis first te reo EP called Rangatira.
Rangatira means ‘being a Chief’.
ARIKI is a high Chief, or paramount Chief. The concept of rangatiratanga and self empowerment runs throughout this album and ARIKI is the evolution of this kaupapa. ARIKI is also written as a self-help playlist on how to be a Chief in today’s society. ARIKI is 14 waiata of pop, rap, reggae, drill, Hip Hop & RnB, all in te reo Māori.
After 2 years in the making, Rei presents his new album ARIKI, made with tautoko from Te Māngai Pāho and NZ on Air. His 6th studio album in 7 years, Rei is cementing his place as one of the most prolific and forward-thinking te reo artists in Aotearoa. After traveling to Europe twice this year showcasing his future Māori music, Rei is looking forward to touring Aotearoa on his ARIKI tour this summer.
