Marlon Williams, a celebrated artist hailing from Aotearoa/New Zealand, has unveiled his fourth solo album after five years of meticulous crafting. Guided by the Māori proverb "Ko te reo Māori, he matapihi ki te ao Māori," which translates to "The Māori language is a window to the Māori world," this album represents not just a musical endeavor but also a profound cultural journey. Williams discusses how the intricacies of the Māori language have enriched his understanding and creativity, offering new ways to express place and landscape in music. Collaborating with numerous artists, including Grammy-winning pop star Lorde, Williams's latest work is an ode to reconnecting with his heritage while navigating contemporary issues concerning Māori rights.
In an interview with Double J Arvos, Marlon Williams shares insights into his creative process and the significance of the Māori language. The album, titled Te Whare Tīwekaweka, reflects his personal journey of relearning te reo Māori, a skill initially acquired at a language-immersion preschool but later lost over time. This project is deeply collaborative, featuring contributions from various artists and choirs, enhancing its richness and depth. Williams emphasizes that learning the nuances of the Māori language has opened up creative avenues previously unexplored in English. He finds it easier to incorporate elements of place and landscape, integral components in Māori storytelling, into his music.
The album’s creation was influenced significantly by Kommi, a rapper and Indigenous studies academic, who co-wrote most of the tracks. Their partnership ensured authenticity and confidence in the use of te reo Māori throughout the album. Tracks like 'Huri te Whenua' highlight this collaboration, blending traditional musical elements such as kapa haka group singing with bluegrass and folk styles. Williams draws parallels between singing in te reo Māori and Italian, noting their shared classic song language qualities.
Despite the coincidental timing of the album's release amidst political debates over Māori rights in Aotearoa/New Zealand, Te Whare Tīwekaweka resonates with universal themes of love and loss. It showcases the beauty and power of the Māori language, making its message both timely and timeless. The cover art, a painting by Williams's mother created before his birth, symbolizes the deep roots and personal significance of this project.
Beyond being a mere novelty, Williams envisions incorporating te reo Māori into all future works. His ambition extends beyond this album, aiming to explore and play within the world of the Māori language for the rest of his life. As he embarks on performances at Sydney’s Vivid LIVE festival and Melbourne’s RISING festival, fans eagerly anticipate the continued evolution of his artistry intertwined with his cultural heritage.