Tomokia represents accomplishment, completion and bravery. The concept for Toni Huata’s fifth album originates from an ancestral proverb, ‘E rere e te huata hopukia, e rere e te manuka tomokia.’ It refers to a young warrior – Whakaaha – who caught a huata (spear) in mid-flight and saved the life of his leader, Haenga. Through this act, Toni’s family were gifted the surname Huata. For Tomokia Toni has continued to collaborate with producer Paddy Free whose organic blend of dance rhythms with electronic and dub elements embrace her diverse bilingual sound. Toni began Tomokia by writing the words for ‘Whakaaha’ about the brave but short life of her ancestor, before working on the other compositions that personify unity, growth, identity and dedication.

Ode