Straight out of Aldinga, TAIAHA “the weapon” is here to bring political yet personal Hiphop to the new era. Armed with his Maori heritage, a guitar and strong musical community. His debut album “Rubbah Dubs” is a culmination of years of experience in the music game.
The record is full of new sounds and is all on his own terms however the inherent style hasn't changed as TAIAHA has self-produced this whole album as he did with Carclew Funded EP “The Lucky Rubb Experience” and other records such as Til The Break's “Pinez” or 2017 EP “Aotearoa”.
There is no commercial blueprint for TAIAHA's musical form, but even after all these years of making music he is continually perfecting his craft. His talents in song writing, melody choices, production and vocal flexibility are clearly visible in his solo offerings.
Whether holding it down solo or backed by a band, this versatile Hiphop artist mixes his childhood soul singing favourites and reggae tempos into his own style of vocalism. Both these genres helped build Hiphop, and beyond that is the spiritual element, the folk element, the music for the people. TAIAHA transcends the genres that are so important to culture and industry and breaks them down to their most basic form; frequency and language. The meaning of the words and the feeling of the music.
Making the move from one hundred percent DIY production to working with his full versatility on a range of different sounds, TAIAHA has shown his power with such singles as Age Of Snitches and Grow Some Flowers. This all deepens with his new album God Gave Me Courage. TAIAHA's Sophomore album GOD GAVE ME COURAGE takes a courageous approach to pushing the envelope of the VOCAL dynamic in Australian Hip-Hop while maintaining authenticity to original style.
An album that fuses different lanes within Hip-Hop to unite different sounds under one banner. Never forgetting the 4 elements.
Developing on his debut album “Rubbah Dubs” with its raw yet well executed, self produced sound, God Gave Me Courage moves into a new space. Working with other beat-makers, it boasts polished edges and more freedom and creativity in the vocals. Maintained irrefutably throughout is the unmistakable flavour of TAIAHA. Executive produced by the man himself every song hits hard, either emotionally or politically. Unapologetically Hip-Hop to its core! Freedom is the heart of the story and wisdom is the lesson. The courage is the will to continue through the hardships into the future despite ones fears.
The team is the same, the energy is bigger and the hooks are still catchy.
I can't be afraid
Because
God Gave Me Courage
TAIAHA was drawn to music from a young age and has been influenced by both Hiphop artists, and the artists that Hiphop has sampled. Singers such as Otis Redding, Ray Charles, Nina Simone and Tracey Chapman come to mind. Writing music, freestyling and busking was a big part of TAIAHA's life from the age of 10. The creativity never slowed however and you may know him from such events as Art of Rhyme or arts and events company Om Charm Fellowship.
Seeing TAIAHA live in full form with his band is an embodied experience. A band of musicians whose main focus beyond anything is to allow the original music to shine. A classically trained guitarist and childhood friend on bass, an inventive drummer with an instinctive edge, a world class keyboard player and long-time DJ through thick and thin have joined TAIAHA's force. His gentle power commands the stage and your attention, taking you on an almost mythical ride through rhythm and poetry.
Favourite live shows include WOMADelaide, Willunga Folk Festival, Desert Fringe with Archie Roach, Om Charm Fellowship NYE and Support slots for Chris Finnen, Bone Thugs and Harmony and Funkoars.
“Maintaining an attitude of music for music’s sake and having the live element as the driving element was great training ground,” said Taiaha.
“Now I am trying to write the best songs and produce the best records I can, this is the way".
