Ruia
Ruia Aperahama is a gifted singer and songwriter who enjoys composing songs in Maori and English. He is adept at a variety of musical instruments – saxophone, keyboard and guitar – as well as a superb and passionate vocalist.
Ruia’s style could be categorised broadly as reggae, but strong world influences abound. Cultural and family background has given Ruia creative flexibility, a distinct advantage when it comes to writing tunes based on traditional chants blended with catchy choruses and melodies. Ruia says: “I enjoy writing songs in both languages, I’m at ease with it and it comes naturally.”
Ruia grew up in the small rural settlement of Ratana Pā. This settlement near Wanganui is the home of the Māori Prophet of the 1920's era T.W. Ratana - 'Te Mangai' founder of the Ratana Church and Movement.
Ruia's participation in the church brass band and choir, as well as various contemporary bands and involvement in kapa haka (traditional dance groups) during his formative years have given him a unique ability to cross musical boundaries with ease.
Ruia has written, recorded and released songs as lead vocalist and composer with groups such as Southside of Bombay, penning the top five hit ‘What’s the Time Mr Wolf’ which achieved gold sales status. The song was highlighted in the film, Once Were Warriors.
In January 2005, the 2004 International Songwriting Competition announced Ruia as a finalist in the World Music category and he won honorable mention for his song 'Ko te Tohu' which appears on his first solo album ‘Hawaiki’.
Ruia and twin brother Ranea released the album ‘Whare Māori’ in late 2000, which was nominated as a finalist in the New Zealand Music Awards. A limited release tribute concept, ‘Waiata of Bob Marley’, again had the Aperahama brothers sharing vocal duties, covering a selection of Bob Marley’s songs sung completely in Māori.
Ruia released his debut solo album, Hawaiki, in January 2004, which coincided with an extensive tour of New Zealand. This album won the 2004 New Zealand Music Industry Award for Best Māori Album and he also won the 2004 APRA Maioha Award for the song 'E tae' off the same album.
His latest album, ‘12:24 Tekau Mā Rua: Rua Tekau Mā Whā’ is produced by award-winning producer DJ Chris Macro (Dubious Bros, Katchafire, Whirimako Black) who melded a mix of Ruia's own band with programmed grooves and moods to create a broad musical landscape.
His song, ‘Rere Reta Rere Reta’ (Send That Letter) which was inspired by the Foreshore and Seabed Bill won the APRA Maioha Award in 2008.
Ruia’s contribution to the retention and promotion of te reo Māori through his music and his other work as a broadcaster and teacher was recognised in 2008 when he was given an ‘Ngā Whetū o te Tau’ award by the Māori Language Commission.
His other creative endeavours, include television presenting, writing and drawing for Māori publications, as well as hosting radio programmes on Radio Waatea 603AM.
PAO PAO PAO
Selected to perform in 2006, 2008
Solo Albums
- 12:24 Tekau mā Rua: Rua Tekau mā Whā (2008)
- Hawaiki (2004)
You can purchase these albums online at www.maorimusic.com