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New Zealand vocalist Awa and Australian MC Surreal connect for a remix to Awa’s new single “Midnight” off his debut album coming soon.
Download “Midnight” HERE
ABOUT AWA
Tamaki Makaurau (Auckland) raised and Maoritanga schooled, Te Awanui Reeder (Ngati Raukawa, Ngai Te Rangi, Nga Potiki, Ngati Whakaue) is a streetwise urban Maori musician bringing the indigenous sounds of Maori show bands, Poly funk and urban Pacific music into the future with his smooth blend of R&B, soul and hip hop flavours.
Awa’s Manuka honey-sweet vocals were first heard with his group Nesian Mystik, the six-strong collective that emerged from the Smokefree Pacifica Beats competition and went on to storm the New Zealand pop charts. As one of the principle songwriters behind the central Auckland crew, Awa also lent his pop smarts to artists from Aotearoa (NZ), Australia and Japan, collaborations that have connected a Pacific rim of urban music.
“It took me a long time to accept and be proud of the fact that I was a songwriter amongst other things,” Awa reflects. “I always have a lot of projects on the go, but they all have one thing in common – they are my passions and my vehicles to communicate ideas.”
Awa continues to add to his skill set as a singer, songwriter, student and broadcaster so as to expand his musical voice, and now he is taking the bold step of introducing himself as a solo artist, with two box-fresh releases set to drop in 2011.
First up is Native Intel, a bilingual EP that explores Awa’s deepening relationship with Te Reo Maori, set to a 21st century backdrop of R&B, hip hop and funk. Native Intel will be followed by Awa’s debut album, which sees him join forces with a who’s who of Aotearoa talent.
“I’m enjoying the challenge of producing a solo album. I know I am very fortunate to be in the position I am in, and I’m well aware there are many people who have helped to get me here as well. I’m ready for this, and I am taking nothing for granted.”
Like a fresh batch of his famous fried bread, Awa is serving up two generous servings of his 100 per cent Aotearoa sounds – grab a plate.