Six60 - Pepeha
Music
Music

Six60 - Pepeha

Aotearoa’s biggest band SIX60 release the new single ‘Pepeha’ today, their first original bilingual composition, as part of the newly established Waiata Anthems Week.

Inspired by the cultural significance and success of 2019’s Waiata / Anthems compilation, where SIX60’s contribution of Kia Mau Ki Tō Ūkaipō/Don’t Forget Your Roots’ played a major part in the project, the band have continued on a journey over the last two years, developing a deeper understanding and connection to their cultural identity, incorporating kapa haka performances into their stadium shows, using traditional Māori instruments in new studio recordings, and now leading them to the creation of this new single. 

Working closely with Dame Hinewehi Mohi (creator of Waiata Anthems) the band floated the idea to produce an original song in Māori and English for every New Zealander to embrace and enjoy, sparking the writing and recording process for ‘Pepeha’.

A pepeha shows our connection to the physical and spiritual place we call home. This anthemic waiata links significant things – prestige, love, and family – with our environment and to our ancestors.

Ko Mana tōku maunga

Mana is my mountain

Ko Aroha te moana

Aroha is my sea

Ko Whānau tōku waka

Whānau is my waka

Ko au e tū atu nei

And all of that is me.