Six60 tune reworked into kapa haka competition anthem

As Auckland prepares to host the most important kapa haka spectacle on this planet subsequent month, organisers have given 1News a glimpse of the competition’s new anthem.

Considered one of Six60’s greatest hits, The Best, has been translated into te reo Māori to create the official Te Matatini theme track for 2023.

Its lead singer Matiu Walters mentioned the track was the proper expression of what it meant to carry out kapa haka on the highest stage.

“As soon as it is gone via that filter and translated, it makes quite a lot of sense, what kapa haka stands for, the method of working and striving and placing your self ready to win but additionally to fail.

“We have skilled these emotions and we all know lots of people on the market do,” he mentioned.

Musical Director Rob Ruha has been instrumental to the brand new track’s inception.

“It is about striving, encouraging folks to have religion past what they will do and what they assume they will obtain. It is about inspiring folks to occupy locations of inspiration. I feel that’s what Te Matatini is all about. That is what it has been about for the final 50 years.

“It is impressed me and a few of our biggest artists within the nation. I feel that is the proper track.”

Matiu Walter’s whānau has a protracted and famend kapa haka historical past.

His grandparents carried out for Waihīrere, the competition’s inaugural winners in 1972.

“My experiences with my nan and with koro is at all times being across the hearth and with my whānau and the way lovely their voices have been and the way a lot my granddad hogged the guitar cos he knew each song, and each track was the identical chords,” he mentioned.

The track will probably be formally launched subsequent month forward of Te Matatini’s vastly anticipated return to Auckland.

Kaiwhakahaere Wi Pere Mita mentioned as much as 60,000 spectators are anticipated to attend the the 4 day occasion, beginning on February 22.

“We all know that 40 odd groups will take the stage subsequent month and they’ll deliver with them their legacies, their tales their histories their marae. However we additionally need it to be a spot for everybody else to really feel they’re a part of the competition as nicely,” he mentioned.

“Music is the factor that unites everybody and thru this theme track we would like everybody to grasp they’ve a spot on this competition.”

Waihīrere will probably be among the many kapa taking to the stage 50 years on from their first win.

The grandson of two of the group’s stalwarts is honoured to now add to their legacy.

“I used to be nervous coming in as a result of I’ve no expertise with kapa haka, I’ve no belonging there, however via this course of I’ve discovered that I do, I’ve a whānau connection. I wish to ensure that its not seen as a take, however a give. I wish to add to the story of Te Matatini.”