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When you think of chart behemoths in Aotearoa, chances are you think of Six60 and L.A.B, Lorde and Marlon Williams.
Over the past 12 months, though, Son & Water have been just as much of a mainstay in the charts as those big-name acts.
Thanks to “Home”, their collaboration with Myshaan, they’ve spent a whopping 50 weeks on the Top 20 Aotearoa Singles Chart, peaking at No. 3.
Since last November, four of their own singles have featured on the same chart: “Loyal”, “Lost”, “SAW”, and “Hotel California”. The latter of these even crashed the Top 40 Singles Chart in the middle of April.
If that wasn’t enough, another Son & Water single, “Nau Mai”, made it to No. 4 on the Top 10 Te Reo Māori Singles Chart the month before.
“Nau Mai” was an extra special release for the reggae band, marking their first te reo Māori single.
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Written by Daimond Porima Ferguson alongside his father, Katchafire co-founder Jamey Ferguson, the song carries a relatable message.
“Whether you’re new to Aotearoa, or this is home, ‘Nau Mai’ is about putting your worries aside and connecting through music,” Daimond says.
“Nau Mai” was a proper collaborative effort: the band’s bassist Terry Apiata offered songwriting support while guidance and translation from mātanga reo came from Te Kiwa Goddard.
Son & Water have a lot of big shows on the horizon.
Making inroads into Australia, they’ll play Brisbane and Gold Coast at the end of the month, before closing out 2026 in style at Rhythm and Vines.
They’ll then enter the new year at new festival 8TH WONDER, playing in Rotorua and Brisbane alongside L.A.B, Aaradhna, Che Fu, and more Aotearoa icons.
In the meantime, read our interview with Daimond below, taking in Matariki, his and the band’s Māori identity, and more.
Follow Son & Water’s music here and here.
Rolling Stone AU/NZ: As we look ahead to a new year in the Maramataka, tell us how you’ve been going and what’s ahead for you?
Daimond Porima Ferguson: We as a band have a lot planned within the next couple of months. Our culture is represented in multiple cities and countries and we want to explore that, by sharing our music with our people in all corners of the world. We as a band are whānau and that is something we want to represent. Bringing whānau together, to enjoy and celebrate the universal language of music.
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Where are you from in Aotearoa?
I was raised in Hamilton, from my dad’s side I’m from Wairoa and Nūhaka, and then on my mum’s side I am from Kawhia.
How would you describe the space you’re in creatively at the moment?
Recently I’ve been lucky enough to focus on music full-time leaving my mahi for good. Our creative space is high energy, and we’ve got a lot of goals that we’ve set for our future. The energy flows so much better now with more time on my hands — I can really think and apply myself to music, it isn’t just some part-time side hustle.
Do you think your Māori identity is something you consciously write about, or has it become impossible to separate from who you are as an artist?
My Māori identity is definitely something I consciously write about and carry with me as an artist. My upbringing, whānau, environment, and culture are who I am. The type of music we create, we do for those who can relate and connect to us.
Some emotions seem easier to express in one language than another. Have you found te reo Māori has allowed you to express things you couldn’t quite say in English?
I am still finding my way and on the journey in writing te reo Māori songs. It is a goal of mine to tap into that further, and I am learning more as my career goes on.
Do you think Māori music is still underrepresented in Aotearoa music? If so, what can be done to change this?
I think, over time, Māori music has become a lot more accepted and appreciated. There are a lot more Māori artists who represent our music in the industry now. However, there’s always room for more, and we hope to help fill those gaps.
What’s your favourite waiata of all time?
“One Love” by Bob Marley and the Wailers. The message behind the waiata and all his waiata is one that will always be relevant.
And who’s one young Māori artist you think our readers should know about?
One artist I’ve been jamming lately is an artist by the name of Casual Healing, definitely go have a listen… some awesome songs on his résumé.
