Dillastrate release potent Waiata Anthem + video ‘Taku Aroha’

As part of Waiata Anthems 2022, Christchurch-based neo-soul/pop duo Dillastrate have today released their stunning waiata anthem Taku Aroha.

Listen to Taku Aroha HERE

Watch the video HERE

A soul ballad with laidback guitar and touches of indie, Taku Aroha is about love, resilience, nurturing, and the willingness to put someone else ahead of yourself. Written by Dillastrate’s ‘H’ (Henare Kaa) for his new daughter, the waiata reflects on changes that can occur when someone becomes a parent – more specifically the journey and challenges of a modern Māori father raising a mana wahine during these changing times.

“Parents of the next generation are facing so much change,” says Dillastrate (AKA ‘H’ Kaa and Tim Driver). “Our world has so much that needs to be fixed, but as humans (especially parents) we have the opportunity to break our bad habits and stereotypes by encouraging the coming generations to think of everyone as a human being first – not based on their physical form or beliefs. We need to nurture the self-esteem and mana of our tamariki – empowering them to be themselves and live life to its fullest.”

Taku Aroha further extends Dillastrate’s approach to music and culture, with a specific focus on celebrating and uplifting te ao Māori. “All of the elements of the track have symbolic meaning, echoing ngā toi principles. This song is deeply personal and whispers a timeless message to multiple generations – to our whakapapa.”

Taku Aroha was recorded at Orange Studio and O’Sound Studio, Ōtautahi; mixed by Thom O’Connor and mastered by Kog, Auckland. The video, which traces two parallel stories of a Māori father merging between pre-colonial te ao Māori and the modern day, was created by animator Josh Booth.

Described as “New Zealand’s five-piece duo” and born from the late legend Aaron Tokona’s AHoriBuzz, Dillastrate features musical heavyweights Henare ‘H’ Kaa (lead vocals/drums) and Tim Driver (keyboard/bass synth/loops/vocals) going head-to-head to produce deeply memorable high-energy live performances. The dynamic two-piece have been making waves since bursting onto the local music scene with their 2017 EP, Black Diamond. Since then they have toured New Zealand extensively and supported some of the country’s biggest names including Sons of Zion and Katchafire.