Māori DJ Aroha has taken Hana-Rāwhiti Maipi-Clarke’s powerful and viral Parliament haka and turned it into an epic mix to tautoko Toitū Te Tiriti.
Originally from Aotearoa and a former George FM DJ, Aroha Harawira is now making waves in Melbourne. While she couldn’t join the recent Hīkoi mō te Tiriti, she’s found her own way to support the kaupapa, through music and social media.
Her track, titled 'Let Her Rip', uses audio from the moment Hana-Rāwhiti Maipi-Clarke tore the Treaty Principles Bill in Parliament during a haka that’s been seen and heard worldwide. It's laid over powerful synths and breakbeat drums that is giving people chills, especially when the drop hits.
Posting her mix on Instagram, Aroha wrote: “Thank you @hana_rawhiti for awakening my wairua and bringing us so much kaha.”
The track was a collaborative effort, with Tiki Taane handling mixing, Huriana Kopeke-Te Aho creating the incredible artwork, and Wayne Sunderland mastering it.
Kiwis have been reacting to the ripper of a tune, with one writing: “That's mean!!! omg 😍❤️🙌 Thank you, Aroha ❤️.”
“Ka mau te wehi toa mahi! Awesome work,” said another.
Tiki Taane jumped in to say: “That second drop slaps 🔥.”
The mix is also available for free on Soundcloud and Aroha is encouraging us all to share it far and wide to “amplify this kaupapa”.
It's reported that over 35,000 showed out for the Hīkoi mō te Tiriti yesterday, and while many claim that number was significantly higher, it’s the most manpower behind a hīkoi that Aotearoa has ever seen.
After nine days of incredibly powerful, korero, waiata, haka and activations, it all led to handing over a petition with 203,653 signatures.
The online Action Station petition to stop the Treaty Principles Bill has now gained in numbers reaching 268,105 signatures.
