Waiata Anthems singers Mohi and Chase Woods share their perfect weekend playlist.
Mohi (Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa, Ngāi Te Rangi and Ngāti Kahungunu ki Te Wairoa) and Chase Woods (Waikato) are both friends and collaborators. Having previously teamed up on Mohi’s single ‘Hoki Mai Rā’ in July, the two will now see their names together again on this year’s Waiata Anthems, an annual (since 2019) compilation album celebrating te reo Māori waiata.
Woods says he jumped at the “chance to develop my reo, make waiata and meet a bunch of cool and talented artists” after being approached to contribute to Waiata Anthems with his track ‘Maiea’. Mohi, whose song ‘My Love’ features on the record, remembers entering the music industry when Waiata Anthems first launched.
“A couple years went by, I was approached by Whaea Hinz to be part of the kaupapa,” he says. “I love everything about this kaupapa, mainly the connections we get to make with fellow Māori musos and artists (like my bro Wiri) and creating tunes. I think it’s cool we get to create tunes and help revitalise our reo through what we love to do.”
As well as their kaupapa being aligned, so are Mohi and Woods’ idea of a perfect weekend. For Mohi, it’s “Ahipara with the cuzzies; sun is beaming, BBQ on, tunes pumping; moana pristine, fat feeds; couple brews, guitar comes out, jamming through the night.” Meanwhile, Woods dreams of “hanging out with my partner during the day, playing a show Saturday night and then a massive hākari with all my whānau and friends.
The two know their all-time favourite waiata – Maisey Rika’s ‘Tangaroa Whakamautai’ for Mohi, and ‘Maumahara Noa Ahau’ by Branigan Kaa for Woods – and have lovingly compiled the playlist they think will make your weekend tika.
Hajaj – ‘High No More’
It instantly makes you happy and feels like nothing can ruin your mood. It’s perfect on a dusty Sunday when you have to clean the house. You’re welcome! /CW
Shush ft Rhys Rich – ‘The Law’
A great road trip song so should be perfect for summer on ways! The production on this one paired with the smooth vocals is what you need. /CW
RNZŌ – ‘Taniwharau’
Go listen to it and you’ll know what I mean. /CW
D’Angelo – ‘I Found My Smile Again’
Again, another feel good song that you can play at anytime and it will instantly make you two step. /CW
Sunday arvo coffee in hand, boogie time. /M
BexBlu – ‘Slewdem_’
Listen to this song with caution. It will have you screaming “SLEEEEEWDEM” in public. /CW
Adeaze – ‘Memory Lane’
A bit of a throwy! This song is nostalgic of Friday arvos after kura, the crew heading off to touch tourney at the Trusts. /M
Mac Miller ft. Anderson Paak – ‘Dang!’
Tuuuune! /M
Ruia – ‘Ma Tika Mai Rā’
Staple tune growing up, every Māori kid hitting “mō timotimo haerere” full blast. /M
Bill Withers – ‘Lovely Day’
Family around at the homestead, bbq on, gonna be a goodie. /M