Electronic music producer and academic Tiopira McDowell (Ngāti Hine) is the artist behind the music venture MOKOTRON Photo: Ngaru Garland
The Taite Music Prize, established in 2010 by Independent Music New Zealand in honour of the late music journalist Dylan Taite, recognises the most creative and original album released in the previous year - judged on artistry, innovation, and musicianship, regardless of genre or commercial success.
This year's winner, Mokotron (Tiopira McDowell), took out the top prize for his album Waerea, while Byllie-Jean won Best Independent Debut for her EP Filter.
Kara Rickard caught up with both Mokotron and Byllie-Jean after the ceremony to talk about their groundbreaking albums, the significance of their wins, and how their Maoritanga shapes their work.
