Te Whare Tīwekaweka is the album we’ve all been waiting for from Marlon Williams — a stunning ode to love, life, and connection, sung entirely in te reo Māori.
His voice packs a velvet punch, rolling over breezy country-bluegrass strums and simple, pop-tinged melodies. Williams’ album is indebted to the late Hirini Melbourne’s minimalist style. Add the rich choral harmonies of He Waka Kōtuia, and these waiata hit deep — like a warm embrace that calls you home to te ao Māori.
The title, which translates to “A Messy House”, sums up the creative chaos perfectly — it’s where Māori and non-Māori voices come together to craft something fresh. Lorde pops up on the stripped-back piano ballad “Kāhore He Manu E”, singing in te reo and subtly bridging cultural gaps. Te Whare Tīwekaweka is a celebration of Māori culture, but it’s also for anyone looking to reflect, heal, and feel.
Stream: Marlon Williams, Te Whare Tīwekaweka
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