Contributor
Aja Wairere Ropata
Composer, Māori Composer, Performer
Biography
Ngāti Raukawa, Te Atiawa ki Whakarongotai, Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ngāti Porou.
Grounded and powerful musician Aja is spirited by the everlasting, the elemental and the kindred balance. Her voice and musical arrangements have the ability to speak intimately to a wide audience. With sure and guided vocal tones she lures the listeners along a vast musical soundscape.
In the Māori New Year of 2019, Aja released her first single Non-Handler, followed by her second single Kāwai during NZ Music Month 2020. She has appeared as an artist at the Newtown Festival, In-house Sound 2020 Māorilands Hub, and on TV3 The Hui and Te Māngai Pāho 'Te Reo Tūrei'.
In 2023 she released her single 'Te Reo ki Whakarongotai, the latest in a line of impressive releases and shows from AJA, including her recently released single Feel It (RadioScope Alt Chart, SRN Chart, NZ on Air New Tracks, RNZ, Mai, Whakaata Māori), headlining Newtown Festival, performing at Cuba Dupa, the Matariki Awards and opening Kia Mau Festival.
Composed (24)
Taonga Puoro, Te Reo Maori, Soundscape, Reggae, 10m 19s
Winner of APRA - Maioha Award 2022, te reo Māori, lounge, 3m 45s