Details

Ko te reo Mori, he matapihi ki te ao Mori, a beautiful Mori whakatauki (proverb), has inspired Aotearoa singer/songwriter Marlon Williams (Ki Tahu, Ngi Tai) in creating his fourth solo album, Te Whare Twekaweka. In English, this translates to The Mori language is a window to the Mori world, perfectly capturing Marlons motivation for his first album in te reo Mori. As Marlon shares, Through the process of constructing these songs, Ive discovered a way to express my joys, sorrows, and humour that feels uniquely fresh while connecting me to my tpuna [ancestors] and my whenua [land, home]. At the heart of Te Whare Twekaweka is connection. The five-year journey of crafting this album has helped Marlon reconnect with family, friends, and his beloved hometown of Lyttelton after spending a vibrant decade pursuing his music career around the globe. This album represents a meaningful step in Marlons journey with his ancestral language, enhancing his skills in te reo Mori as he collaborated closely with his good friend and co-writer, rapper KOMMI. The language has brought forth a new level of lyrical honesty and an expansive sonic vision. With the support of his long-time touring band The Yarra Benders, co-producer Mark Perkins (Te Whnau--Apanui), the He Waka Ktuia singers, and a special collaboration with pop star Lorde, the album beautifully weaves through Marlons familiar folk-country-bluegrass styles while exploring the vibrant rhythms of Mori music. The result is a collection that feels both contemporary and timeless.