HAAMI

Haami is a bi-lingual singer songwriter with strong roots in kapa haka, country folk, rock and popular ballad.  He has worked alongside Te Kākano, the Matatini All Stars and the Tuari Brothers. Haami loves infusing rich layers of harmony in his songs which as he puts it, is about “sharing the love and the feels”.   

Haami released his new single called “Taku Kāenga” on 30 July 2024.  Taku Kāenga pays homage to his father who passed away in March this year.  I wanted to honour his decision to resituate our whānau in Te Tairāwhiti from 2003 onwards.  The key messages of the song remind us to never forget where you come from, to draw upon the strength and power of your cultural roots, no matter where you choose to live, to pass on knowledge and heritage to the next generation.  

Haami returns to the music scene as a wiser man.  He is now a father and partner, living in the deep south - a long way from his east coast roots. Taku Kāenga explores the importance of grounded-ness in whakapapa and tribal connections.  The lyrics unpack ideas of yearning for home and whānau with messages equally balanced by the joys of raising a young family.  

Hamiora Tuari, as he is known to his parents, family, and friends, accumulated great attention with the release of his debut single, “He Aio,” in 2021.  He was a finalist for the APRA Maioha Silver Scrolls in 2022.  Hamiora is also a member of the Tuari Brothers, three time Māori Music Award winners, finalists for the APRA Maioha Silver Scrolls 2023 and finalist for the Aotearoa Music Awards category, Best Māori Artist 2024.

Photography Credits: Erica Sinclair Photography