"Taera" (English: "Style") is a Māori language song by New Zealand musician Rob Ruha. It was released as the main single from his third studio album Preservation of Society on 8 October 2021. The song was the 7th most commercially successful song sung in Te Reo Māori for 2021.
| "Taera" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single by Rob Ruha | ||||
| from the album Preservation of Society | ||||
| Language | Māori | |||
| Released | 8 October 2021[1] | |||
| Genre | Pop, contemporary R&B | |||
| Length | 3:22 | |||
| Label | InDigiNation Music | |||
| Songwriter(s) |
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| Producer(s) |
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| Rob Ruha singles chronology | ||||
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| Music video | ||||
| "Taera" on YouTube | ||||
Background and composition edit
In September 2021, Ruha co-wrote and produced the song "35" by Te Tairāwhiti youth choir Ka Hao.[2] The song became popular during Te Wiki o te Reo Māori, and was one of the 27 songs produced for the 2021 Waiata Anthems Week, a project to promote popular music sung in Māori.[3] The song first gained popularity during the week when it became a popular on TikTok,[4] later becoming one of the top performing songs in Te Reo Māori for 2021.[5] Ruha collaborated with Ka Hao a second time in September, releasing the track "Taka Rawa".[1]
"Taera" was one of the final songs written for Preservation of Scenery. Ruha wrote the song in 20 minutes while he was preparing to leave home to record the album.[1] The song is sung entirely in Te Reo Māori,[6] and features musicians Troy Kingi and Whenua Patuwai as background vocalists.[7] Ruha feels that "Taewa" is a song that champions diversity and "celebrates Māori Swag".[1]
Release edit
The song was released as a single on the same day that its parent album Preservation of Society was released.[1] It was promoted simultaneously across all iwi radio stations in New Zealand in October 2021.[8] The song's music video was also released on 8 October,[1] and features mural artwork by Onehunga artist Bobby Macdonald.[9]
Commercial reception edit
The song debuted at number 11 on the New Zealand Hot Singles Chart, a chart tracking relative changes in sales, streaming and airplay.[10] By the end of 2021, it was the 7th most commercially successful song sung in Te Reo Māori.[5]
Critical reception edit
Alex Behan of Stuff described the song as having a "glittering glory", praising the song's invigorating lyrics.[11]
Credits and personnel edit
Credits adapted from Tidal.[7]
- Leo Coghini – keyboards
- Vivek Gabriel – mastering engineer, recording
- Thabani Gapara – saxophone
- James Illingworth – keyboards, synthesizer
- Tyna Keelan – guitar
- Troy Kingi – background vocals
- Johnny Lawrence – bass guitar
- Toby Lloyd – engineer, recording
- Nic Manders – mixer, recording
- Darren Mathiassen – drums
- Christian Mausia – trumpet
- Rory Noble – producer
- Whenua Patuwai – background vocals
- Robert Ruha – vocals, producer, background vocals
Charts edit
Weekly charts edit
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Year-end charts edit
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References edit
- ^ a b c d e f "Rob Ruha Announces New Album 'Preservation Of Scenery'". Muzic.net.nz. 8 October 2021. Retrieved 14 December 2021.
- ^ Terekia, Taylor-Rose (9 September 2021). "A kōrero with Jhaymeān of Ka Hao: Tira Waiata! OHOOHO #1". Te Mana Ākonga. Retrieved 3 October 2021.
- ^ "Waiata Anthems: 30 artists join forces to celebrate a bilingual music industry". ZM. 6 September 2021. Retrieved 19 April 2022.
- ^ Barton, Monika (23 September 2021). "'A truly wonderful feeling': Te Reo Māori music dominates NZ's official charts". Newshub. Retrieved 3 October 2021.
- ^ a b c "Te Reo Māori O Te Rārangi 10 O Runga: End of Year Charts 2021". Recorded Music NZ. Retrieved 27 January 2022.
- ^ "Rob Ruha - Taera". Mai FM. 2 November 2021. Retrieved 3 July 2022.
- ^ a b "Credits / Preservation of Society". Tidal. Retrieved 3 July 2022.
- ^ "New Waiata Released to Iwi Radio Stations". Te Hiku. 7 October 2021. Retrieved 3 July 2022.
- ^ "Rob Ruha - Taera". YouTube. 8 October 2021. Retrieved 3 July 2022.
- ^ a b "Hot 40 Singles". Recorded Music NZ. 18 October 2021. Retrieved 17 January 2022.
- ^ Behan, Alex (17 October 2021). "Preservation of Scenery: Rob Ruha's album provides a window into his world view". Stuff. Retrieved 3 July 2022.
- ^ "Hot 20 NZ Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. 18 October 2021. Retrieved 17 January 2022.
- ^ "NGĀ WAIATA KAIRANGI I TE REO MĀORI O TE RĀRANGI 10 O RUNGA TOP 10 TE REO MĀORI SINGLES". Official NZ Music Charts. Recorded Music NZ. 25 October 2021. Retrieved 3 July 2022.