Marlon Williams has announced his first full-legth Māori language album, ‘Te Whare Tīwekaweka’.
After a decade establishing his career overseas, it’s a huge milestone for Marlon as he takes a deep dive into his Māori roots and expresses his story through the language of his tīpuna.
“The Māori language is a window to the Māori world,” Marlon says, explaining the inspiration behind the album.
The lead single ‘Aua Atu Rā’ droped today, inspired by 60s Māori showbands. Co-written with his mate, Lyttelton-based rapper Kommi, Marlon calls it a “guiding light” for the album.
The lyrics challenge the saying ‘We’re all in this boat together’. It’s all about balancing the shared values of community and personal individuality.
Marlon sings: “I am alone / in this boat / on the ocean / There is not a trace of wind / No, none at all.”
“It speaks to something universal yet deeply personal, especially within Te Ao Māori’s collectivist culture,” he says.
“Through the process of constructing these songs, I’ve found a means of expressing my joys, sorrows and humour in a way that feels both distinctly new, yet also connects me to my tīpuna and my whenua.”
Fans are already thoroughly enjoying the first track on the album.
“This encapsulates everything I love so deeply about Marlon Williams’ music, the exquisite melancholy and beautiful despair combined with all the charm, style, wit and humour,” one wrote in the comments of the music video. “Existential dread and resignation has never seemed so attractive.”
Another adds: “YES, did not even know I needed it until I heard it.”
“Love it. A feast for the ears and the eyes,” says a third.
Over the five years it took to create 'Te Whare Tīwekaweka', Marlon reconnected with family and friends in Lyttelton, Ōtautahi.
That time allowed him to rediscover his ancestral tongue and tap into a more honest and way of expressing himself through music.
Another big highlight on the album is the track “Kāhore He Manu E,” which features Kiwi music legend Lorde. Personally, I can’t wait to hear how their voices blend together, it’s bound to be a favourite.
Marlon hopes the album will help create deeper connections and cultural appreciation. “I hope music can do the mahi that conversation cannot,” he says.
‘Te Whare Tīwekaweka’ is out April 4th with a whopping 14 song tracklist.
