Native Intel (EP)

As a singer, songwriter and broadcaster, Te Awanui Reeder (Ngati Raukawa, Ngai Te Rangi, Nga Potiki, Ngati Whakaue) is a musical triple threat. His skills with a pad and pen, and on the microphone are evident on tracks from artists as diverse as Dane Rumble, PNC, Sydneyside hip hop duo Turnstyle Puppets, and the chart-topping catalogue of his brothers in arms, Nesian Mystik.

Now Awa is stepping out alone to deliver his solo taonga, Native Intel, an EP which journeys into his relationship with Te Reo Maori, delivering its message of culture and self-knowledge with a colourful, contemporary palette of pop, hip hop and R&B and guests that include Maisey Rika, Otautahi lyricist Maitreya, and fellow Nesian, David ‘Dmon’ Atai.

“Te Reo Maori is the language of love,” Awa says. “I love its visual and metaphoric attributes, its poetic qualities, and the actual sound of the words. It’s a ‘feel’ language – sometimes you don’t need to understand what someone is saying because you can feel what they are saying.”

From political views to issues of the heart, celebrating good times with whanau and friends to honouring Tupuna (ancestors), Native Intel opens a door to Maoritanga for both English and Te Reo Maori speakers.

Join Awa as he brings you Native Intel, releasing Monday August 15 – and look out for the single ‘Viper Room’ featuring Maitreya dropping July 18 with all proceeds going to the Raukatauri Music Therapy Centre.