Geneva Alexander-Marsters (Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairoa) taps into the wisdom of te ao Māori during her pregnancy. Through her waiata 'IHO', Geneva emboldens fellow Māori mothers to embrace tikanga in childbirth without fear.
To check out Geneva AM's and other amazing artists documentaries head to waiataanthems.co.nz.
Geneva Alexander-Marsters (Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairoa) taps into the wisdom of te ao Māori during her pregnancy, leading her to have a calm and successful birth.
Through her waiata, IHO, Geneva emboldens fellow Māori mothers to embrace tikanga in childbirth without fear.
Living on Waiheke Island Geneva was fully aware that any complications would necessitate a terrifying helicopter journey to the mainland.
But determined to remain composed, she invoked the guidance of her tīpuna, drawing upon their wisdom and strength during the birthing process. The experience inspired Geneva to pen Iho, an electronic dance anthem for wāhine everywhere.
“I think that this song could encourage people to not fear birth, because there is a lot of fear, and the fear is what will hurt you the most. I just want people to feel empowered their womb space. And know they are powerful; they are the gateway between life and death,” she said.
Geneva AM in the music video for her new releasea IHO.
Geneva Alexander-Marsters is a musician based on Waiheke Island and was formerly the lead singer of alt-electronic band SoccerPractise.
Growing up in rūmaki reo (full immersion schooling) in Central Auckland, Geneva wants to continue promoting te reo Māori through the unique music that she makes. Having always had a strong connection to ancient Māori wisdom, beliefs and practices, she incorporates these ideas into her music in original ways.
Her philosophy, “Embrace it however you want, and however you can without, you know, compromising the mana of te reo.”
As the Māori New Year arrives, Waiata Anthems honours the rising of Matariki with a new release of waiata and video content, showcasing an exciting group of established and emerging artists sharing their experiences of creating reo Māori music.
Throughout July, expect diverse musical offerings from Bleeders, Jordyn with a Why, Riiki Reid, Tini Whetū, Geneva AM and Swizl Jager. From reorua rap and the purest of pop to rage-ridden punk, these talented artists run the gamut of musical genres.
Matariki is a time of reflection, celebration and preparation, so alongside the new waiata, each artist has shared an unexpected personal story addressing their own hopes and dreams for a brighter future.
From an inside view of the new kaupapa Māori approach at Corrections to the power of giving birth, to language reclamation and youth mental health, the Waiata Anthems Matariki collection of short documentaries will inspire audiences to go beyond the melodies. With themes of tuakiritanga identity and kotahitanga unity, these must-watch films contain a wealth of mātauranga Māori as the artists celebrate the present with pride and look to the future with hope.
“To support artists releasing waiata reo Māori at this special time of the year is a privilege for Waiata Anthems,” says founder Dame Hinewehi Mohi. “Our movement is about the revitalisation of te reo Māori at scale, our wish is to embrace Matariki manako nui and look to a bright future with these amazing waiata across airwaves and digital platforms.”
To find out more about how you can become a champion of te reo, go to www.waiataanthems.co.nz
