Kahu Releases ‘Kia Kaha’
As part of his mental health awareness album project – Flowoxetine, Kahu’s second of 13 waiata empowers its listeners with the message to be strong. Translating to the track’s title – Kia Kaha.
This is a body of work representing something more than just music, where he aims to promote a greater mental health awareness in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Kia Kaha, Referred to as prescription 2 of 13, is Kahu’s medicinal slow-release method that is set to complete treatment in 2025. The approach mimics the application of antidepressants in today’s world. Hence the album title, Flowoxetine – antidepressant flows. A play on the commonly consumed fluoxetine.
Kia Kaha draws listeners into Kahu’s world of resilience and need to be stronger in tougher times. This is a mental health exploration. Written during a volatile, toxic, oppressive, confusing time in his life, inspired by the loss of his friend Nico due to suicide. Kahu’s work on the track became a way to process the feelings of anger, resentment, and confusion.
Teaming up with fellow artist and friend Vanessa-mae Scrivens, who features on the track, Nessie Oh reinforces the message through her own korero. Her vocal tonality serves as the superpower we each have within us. That is… our mind. Nessie Oh adds a layer of connection to the song’s themes of strength, resilience and the importance of being strong in tough times.
In a world often dominated by social and toxic expectations of positivity, happiness and being okay, Kahu’s lyrics are a candid reflection on the pressures all people face. Those of whom being young / adolescent Maori Tama in particular. All though the waiata is transcribable to all taringa.
The Flowoxetine project is more than just a selection of songs. It’s a slow-release album with a purpose—Kahu intends to use his platform to leverage this movement and the awareness of mental health that unfortunately lacks in this country. Aiming to help provide resources for others who may be struggling in silence. “I want to be that person who stands up and helps, and I want us to be the people who reach out.”
