It’s been a great week so far for MĀ.
Monday morning brought the news that she’s one of 10 nominees for the 2026 Taite Music Prize, thanks to her wonderful 2025 album Blame It on the Weather.
We loved it, too, including it in our Best New Zealand Albums of 2025 list.
“MĀ reached new heights on her second studio album,” we praised.
“[S]he raps and sings about subjects she cares deeply about — climate change and her work as a biodiversity ranger.
“The result is a measured observational record that deftly balances its weighty subject matter with playful production.”
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Before she finds out if she’s won the Taite Music Prize next month, MĀ is in South Australia for WOMADelaide 2026, where she’s one of the standout acts on a bill that also features fellow Rolling Stone AU/NZ favourites such as BARKAA, Georgia Knight, Grace Jones, and Marlon Williams.
Ahead of her trip to Adelaide, we caught up with the shapeshifting musician to chat about her latest album, WOMADelaide appearance, and more.
MĀ’s Blame It on the Weather is out now. WOMADelaide 2026 takes place this weekend (March 6th-9th). More information about WOMADelaide 2026 can be found here.
Rolling Stone AU/NZ: Firstly, are you excited to play WOMADelaide? Is this your first time?
MĀ: Hīkaka ana te ngākau! Very honoured and privileged to be performing in Tarntanya or the lands of the Kaurna People – It is my first time attending the festival so there will be many firsts for me, which is always exciting.
Have you been to Adelaide before? If not, what are you looking forward to experiencing in South Australia?
I have family here, however this will be my first time being here as an adult and as an artist. I am looking forward to being on the land and meeting the people of the land, hearing the stories.
The WOMADelaide lineup is packed this year. Any particular other artists you’re keen to see?
So many incredible artists! Yothu Yindi, Grace Jones, and KAIIT are my top choices at the moment.
If you were curating your own festival bill, who would be the first three names on it?
That’s easy — Iris Little, Romi Wrights, LILA.
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For a new listener attending the festival, how would you describe your sound in three words?
Hmmm, my band and I will be performing music from three different albums. So I will choose three words that describe each album — grief, bush & queer.
Blame It on the Weather was such a great album — we included it in our year-end NZ albums list. Were you happy with how fans received it?
I saw that, I really appreciate all the support from you guys — I am very grateful people were interested in the conversation.
Blame It on the Weather is a time-stamp album. In Aotearoa our environment and our ecosystems are failing at the hands of poor leadership by our government. I made this album to talk about that but also to shine a light on the people who do want to protect the land. I assume that is the people who have been listening to this music.
Did you have a favourite track on the album? Or is it impossible to pick?!
It depends on what the weather is doing. That’s how I pick a favourite.
Are you working on any new music? Or is it too soon after Blame It on the Weather?
Yes, there is a new story I need to tell, and we look forward to sharing some of it at WOMADelaide.
