Waiata Māori Music Awards 2025 finalists revealed
This year’s finalists include Makayla, Huia, and Paige for Best Māori Female Solo Artist and Shane Walker, Haami, and Kings representing the male category.
The 2025 Waiata Māori Music Awards finalist have been announced, showing off a vibrant mix of emerging talent and established musicians in Māori music.
The theme for this year's awards is Toitū te Reo – Titiro Whakaroto.
The event's director, Ellison Huata, says the theme highlights the critical importance of preserving language and stories through the power of music.
Te Tohu Manu Tioriori Tāne Autaia (Best Māori Male Solo Artist) nominees are Haamim, King and Shane Walker - who won big at the Pacific Music Awards earlier this year.
The National Waiata Māori Music Awards will be held on 14 November at the Toi Toi Hawke's Bay Arts and Events Centre.
Full list of finalists for the Waiata Māori Music Awards
Te Tohu kaipūoru Aratini Māori Autaia - Best Māori Pop Album Finalists
- Black Comet - Episode 1: Looking for a New Planet
- Corrella
- Rei - Moisturise and Decolonise
Te Tohu Kaipūoru Māori noho Tāone Autaia - Best Hip Hop and RnB Album
- Rei - Moisturise and Decolonise
- Tipene – Heritage Trail 2 The Patnership
- Kings - Raplist
Te Tohu Ataata Autaia - Best music video of the year by a Māori artist
- Rawhitiroa - Whakarongo Rā
- Tipene - Tū
- TAWAZ -Mānawa Maiea Matariki
Matariki Te Tohu Kōpaeroa Autaia - Best roots reggae album by a Māori Artist
- Brutha Rodz meets Israel Star at the foothills of Ruapehu
- NLC - Roots Foundation
- Corrella - Skeletons
Te Tohu o Te Waiata Māori Hira - Best single by a Māori Artist
- Haami
- Tuari Brothers
- Tawaz
Te Tohu Rōpū Māori Autaia - Best Māori Group
- Tuari Brothers
- Coterie
- Corrella
Te Tohi o Te Kaitito Waiata Māori Autaia - Best Māori Songwriter
- Haami
- Tuari Brothers
- Tawaz
Te Tohu Manu Tioriori Wahine Autaia - Best Māori Female Solo Artist
- Makayla
- Paige
- Huia
Te Tohu Manu Tioriori Tāne Autaia - Best Māori Male Solo Artist Award
- Haami
- Shane Walker
- King
