Ko wai tēnei? is a series profiling inspirational Māori in Aotearoa and beyond. Today, we get to know musician Geneva AM.
Geneva Alexander-Marsters, aka Geneva AM, is an award-winning producer, beat maker and vocalist whose sound is as assured as it is expansive. Based in Tāmaki Makaurau, she’s been steadily carving out a place as one of the country’s most compelling and quietly influential contemporary artists. Geneva AM recently released her debut album Pikipiki, featuring original bilingual waiata and covers of Aotearoa classics.
Ko wai koe? Nō hea koe?
Ko Whakapunake te maunga, ko Waikaremoana te roto, ko Waipoa te marae, ko Horouta te waka, ko Ngāti Hingahinga te hapū, ko Ngāti Ruapani te iwi.
That pepeha took my uncle’s entire lifetime to procure for us – I grew up without one. We always knew what islands our grandfather came from: Aitutaki and Palmerston Island. But my grandmother passed away when we were children, so I grew up thinking we were only Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairoa.
There is always a disclaimer with this question Ko Wai Koe? Nō hea koe? I feel like my lineage is so far flung that I could probably be from anywhere. Between my parents, I additionally have Tahitian, Irish, French, Scottish and English ancestry. A DNA test also added Indian, Chinese, Icelandic, Samoan and Hawaiian.
I’m not sure what my tīpuna were up to but they certainly travelled the world and had a lot of fun!
What’s the kaupapa that drives you right now?
Positivity, joy and dreams. Asking people what their interests are. Encouraging my friends and whānau. Keeping the energy up so nothing can get us down. Doing it for Gaza, Congo, Sudan, West Papua and all occupied territories. Raising my son to know his reo and being a role model for all of our rangatahi growing up. Creating a universe that is embedded in cool, beautiful things. Being genuine and honest with myself and my art practice. Doing the dishes, waking up early – drinking more water. Y’know, that kind of thing.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
If someone shows you who they truly are, believe them.
What’s one challenge you’ve had to overcome on your journey?
My own stupid, made up fears and roadblocks. Imposter syndrome!
What’s a moment you’re really proud of?
Giving birth to my son at home with no medical intervention in the middle of a level four lockdown on Waiheke Island. Oh, and pressing Pikipiki on vinyl.
What does success look like to you?
Being content and achieving your dreams so much that you need to find new ones. Having cool, reliable friends and family. Laughter and joy.
Who is someone you admire?
Grace Jones.
What keeps you grounded?
My partner and son, Mike and Kiwa. We all genuinely love hanging out with each other, we have lots of fun.
What’s one whakaaro you want to leave our readers with?
I came up with something the other day that I find very amusing: Music is a place, everyone is invited. But you have to be on time!
I think about how time and timing are both negotiations and constructs that inhibit a space for us to activate through our own existence. That’s where the music comes in I guess?
Where are you at the marae hui? In the whare or in the kitchen?
Probably waiata tautoko vibes or holding a teatowel in the kitchen – probably both. I’m a real goody two shoes.
Finally – what’s something about you most people don’t know?
I’m actually from the future – and it may not seem like it right now, but I can confirm that it’s all going to be alright. It’s my job to come here and let you know that, so, you’re welcome.
