Tukituki Te Manawa

Drax Project found rerecording their breakthrough 2017 single 'Woke Up Late' in te reo Maori for album Waiata/Anthems "so rewarding", they repeated the process for the 2021 documentary series. This performance of 'Tukituki Te Manawa' concluded their episode; it sees the band singing live in front of a sea of fans, alongside Tohunga Taonga Puoro (authority on traditional Māori instruments) Jerome Kavanagh. He introduces the song with a pūtātara (signalling trumpet) and enhances the romantic vibe with various kōauau (flutes). Ex Māori Language Commissioner Sir Tīmoti Kāretu translated the lyrics.

People say that we’re helping normalise te reo and that’s cool. We’re very grateful to be part of whatever small impact we may have on the normalisation to a beautiful language.

– Vocalist Shaan Singh on his band taking part in the 2021 Waiata/Anthems series and album, TV Guide, 22 April 2021

Key Cast & Crew

Julia Parnell

Director, Producer

Hinewehi Mohi

Matanga Reo (Language Consultant), Producer

Corinna Hunziker

Co-Director

Shyam Patel

Camera Operator

Devan Narsal

Camera Operator

Jeremy Star

Editor