Theia continues to impress with her unwavering creativity.
The Aotearoa artist has just unveiled her new bilingual waiata, “Hoki Whenua Mai (Return the Land)”, combining traditional Māori instruments with an alt-indie sound. The track bursts to life with an evocative haka and a powerful pūtaratara (conch) layered over driving drums.
Much like Alien Weaponry and their unique interpretation of Māori metal, Theia’s latest work highlights her talent for weaving significant Indigenous narratives into contemporary music.
“The feminine narrative is often overshadowed in discussions about the struggles of Indigenous cultures facing colonisation,” Theia explains. “We frequently overlook the severe repercussions for women and children, and ‘Hoki Whenua Mai (Return the Land)’ addresses these traumas through the Māori perspective.”
The music video, directed by Ruby Harris, a director originally from Aotearoa and now based in the UK, was filmed in the Waitākere Ranges. It features Theia alongside other wāhine Māori.
“We don colonial-era attire, appearing as almost ghostly figures within the forest, representing themes of unity, grief, rage, and female empowerment,” Theia adds.
Don’t miss the video above.
“Hoki Whenua Mai (Return the Land)” serves as a powerful counterpart to “BALDH3AD!”, Theia’s previous fiery protest anthem that emerged during one of Aotearoa’s most challenging political periods.
“‘BALDH3AD!’ is a musical reaction against the ongoing impacts of colonisation that have affected our people since the 1800s, threatening our culture and language under the current administration,” Theia noted previously. “It’s an expression of deep anger and a rallying cry for my fellow wāhine Māori, rangatahi Māori, and Indigenous communities globally.”
Currently residing in Los Angeles, Theia is scheduled to perform alongside Los Bitchos at Zebulon on July 22nd, where she is anticipated to share more new music.
In related news, Theia’s beautiful Māori language endeavor, TE KAAHU, was featured prominently in our 80 Best New Zealand Albums of the Decade So Far list, with her debut album as TE KAAHU, Te Kaahu O Rangi, landing in the Top 10.
Theia’s “Hoki Whenua Mai (Return the Land)” is out now.
What are your thoughts on Theia’s latest release? Share your feelings in the comments below!
