Wellington-based singer-songwriter AJA has released a beautiful new track, “True Love”.
This R&B-soul song is a sweet reminder to cherish love, especially during the holiday season when spending quality time with loved ones is on the horizon.
And it’s truly a whānau affair: AJA collaborated with her cousin, Te Kawa Herangi, who is a composer, author, and guitarist. Together, they made a heartfelt tune about celebrating love and discovering our true selves through meaningful connections.
The song was made with the support of Auckland UNESCO City of Music’s Equaliser (EQ) grant, which works to boost gender equality and create networking opportunities for creatives.
“We started writing the song in 2021, on Mara TK’s ‘Bad Mediation Album Tour’. We had some downtown in Auckland when Te Kawa came up with this tune on the guitar, then together we wrote some lyrics. We’d sing it on loop and work away at it, but the EQ grant announcement motivated me to finish it,” AJA explains.
Backing AJA up is a fantastic band, including Delaney Davidson (organ), Tola Newbery (percussion), Te Kawa Herangi (composer, author, guitarist), Peter Riley (bass), Miharo Gregory (keys), Louisa Williamson (saxophone/flute), Cameron Robertson (trumpet), Patrick Di Somma (trombone), and Sam Notman (drums).
The glamorous music video, directed by Jessica Sanderson, really brings the song to life. Filmed at a stylish hotel bar, the clip features AJA and her real-life partner, actor Tola Newbery.
“True Love” follows AJA’s previous releases like the te reo Māori waiata “Te Reo ki Whakarongotai” and the earlier single “Feel It”. All three tracks are gearing up to be part of her forthcoming debut album.
Last year, AJA received the APRA Maioha Silver Scroll Award for her waiata “Te Iho”, becoming a first-time finalist and winner in the process.
AJA’s “True Love” is out now.
