Te Kaahu O Rangi (Vinyl LP)

FLYING OUT'S #4 ALBUM OF 2022

Our generation has been waiting for this album to arrive, whether we knew it or not. TE KAAHU's dreamy-folk debut is packed with poignant and personal stories, all sung in te reo Māori. If you managed to catch TE KAAHU's spine-tingling opening set at The Others Way Festival this year, you'll know why this is so high on our list

Te Kaahu O Rangi is the exquisite debut album from Kiwi alt-pop princess Theia’s te reo Māori project, TE KAAHU.

The album contains nine waiata written and sung entirely in te reo Māori, each delivering their own poignant message of love, peace, healing and hope, while collectively serving as a tribute to Theia’s tūpuna wāhine (female ancestors) and her beloved haukāinga (home) in the Waikato, as well as the principles of Te Ao Māori.

Te Kaahu O Rangi is an immersive experience, in which Theia’s ethereal and dreamy vocals take centre stage, wrapped in a warm nostalgic sound that serves as a nod to a bygone era. Using kupu whakarite (metaphor), pepeha (sayings) and whakataukī (proverbs), Theia weaves together a magical tapestry of lyricism and sound. "These songs are steeped in the sounds of yesteryear – sounds that I know my grandmothers would've danced to, cried to, and loved," says Theia. "I am so grateful that I can now present this album as a taonga tuku iho – a treasure to be cherished and played for years to come."

Tracklist

1. Te Kaahu O Rangi
2. E Hine Ē
3. Rangirara
4. E Taku Huia Kaimanawa
5. He Hiimene
6. Waikato
7. Pai Maarire
8. Taupiri
9. He Maimai Aroha