ARAHI THE SINGER SONGWRITER, THE AOTEAROA FANTASY.

Arahi is forging a distinctive path across Aotearoa, taking his place in time as one of our country’s most exceptional and visionary songwriters and live performers. With a fearless essence, Arahi skillfully weaves together timeless and modern melodies, infusing them with a captivating and unconventional allure. Arahi channels his artistic essence and mastery of his craft to juxtapose classic and contemporary sound whilst effortlessly merging the familiar with the experimental.

Although Arahi stands on the shoulders of rock and roll legends, there is an unmistakable connection to whenua running through his work. This is evident in Arahi’s latest project ‘Te Tokotoru’ - a high energy trio delivering thunderous grooves through an electric Māori lens.

Arahi fronts ‘Te Tokotoru’ on lead electric guitar and vocals with William Devine on bass and Iraia Whakamoe on drums. The band came together for the first time for their debut performance at a live fundraiser show in support of the Cyclone Gabrielle Relief. Playing San Fran Wellington for the cause, the Te Tokotoru project was birthed, promising dynamic things to come.

Collectively the band brings together decades of musical experience and have featured on a myriad of stages across the motu. Fronted by Arahi best known for his solo projects and debut EP released in 2023 “Revelator,” which was produced by Dave Kahn at Roundhead Studios in Auckland. Arahi has performed on the main stage at Outfield Festival and shared the Black Barn stage with Dave Dobyn, and with a recent nomination in the top 20 for the 2023 APRA Silver Scroll he is taking his place amongst the New Zealand greats. William Devine, an absolute wizard on bass has played with the remarkable Fane Flaws and funk soul boogie-dub legends Tropical Downbeat Orchestra. And the dart master Iraia Whakamoe on drums, is best known as one third of swamp-stomping blues trio, The Nudge, and also features as a member of Fly My Pretties.

Arahi Te Tokotoru have been busy in the studio, recording and crafting their debut single set to be released on the 1st of September. “Te Hekenga” produced by Troy Kingi and engineered by Lee Prebble (Surgery Studios), carries with it many meanings. The title itself speaks to the journey tangata whenua made down from Hawaiki to Aotearoa but also in relation to this new roopu ‘Te Tokotoru’ the singles title has an even closer relevance. ‘Te Hekenga’ speaks of a new generation of Māori coming through and navigating our tikanga in a modern world. ‘Te Hekenga’ is a power anthem for rangatahi Māori.

Following the release of “Te Hekenga”, they will embark on a four date tour of the north island playing Auckland, Raglan, Hawkes Bay and Wellington. A promising future awaits as plans are underway for an album release in 2024, shining a light on what lies ahead.