MOKOMOKAI are back with PONO!, their third album, featuring nine tracks that draw from distinctly local stories and references.
At the centre is Manu, whose bars flow smoothly over DUSTY & GHOS’s soulful production, bringing a strong Polynesian influence to the music.
“THE ONE” stands out as a slow-burning track, accompanied by a late-night video from Ray Edwards. Filmed around Tāmaki Makaurau, it moves from the warm wood and spinning vinyl of Kemuri Hi-Fi to the cracked pavements of Grey Lynn.
The single had a notable premiere at Boiler Room’s Pulotu Underworld 2024 event in Auckland, the global platform’s first all-Indigenous Māori show.
PONO! also features local artists like Lukan Raisey, Ma, Lui Tuiasau, Tyra Hammond, and Mara TK, who add fresh layers to the group’s evolving sound.
Following 2023’s WHAKAREHU, which earned a 2025 Aotearoa Music Award nomination for Single of the Year with the MELODOWNZ collaboration “KUPE”, this album feels like a confident and natural next step.
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To celebrate, MOKOMOKAI will tour with special guest Brandn Shiraz, recently featured on Rolling Stone AU/NZ’s 80 Best New Zealand Albums of the 2020s So Far list.
The tour starts Friday, July 11th in Ōtautahi / Christchurch at Loons, moves to Pōneke / Wellington on Saturday, July 12th at Meow, and finishes Saturday, July 19th in Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland at Double Whammy (get tickets here).
MOKOMOKAI’s PONO! is out now.
MOKOMOKAI New Zealand Tour
With special guest Brandn Shiraz
For more info and tickets, visit madcapmusic.co.nz/mokomokai
Friday, July 11th
Loons, Ōtautahi / Christchurch
Saturday, July 12th
Meow, Pōneke / Wellington
Saturday, July 19th
Double Whammy, Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland
