L.A.B, Corrella & Brannigan Kaa release a new take on Māori classic ‘Maumahara Noa Ahau’
L.A.B and Corrella have combined to put their take on a laid-back Māori classic, the singalong Maumahara Noa Ahau.
The track, originally performed by Brannigan Kaa, is a song beloved by many across Aotearoa, and this new version features Brannigan himself providing vocals.
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Originally recorded and released by Brannigan Kaa as part of a compilation created by Te Māngai Pāho, this new track version came about during a late-night recording session in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington. Brannigan, an artist with a long and storied musical career, is also a cultural ambassador helping keep the heart of Māori music alive.
The track is the first time L.A.B has recorded a song in te reo Māori, with Brannigan helping guide L.A.B through the recording. This version also includes live flute from long-time L.A.B collaborator Louisa Williamson. The track is a love song, with L.A.B & Corrella maintaining the magic captured in the original track.
Speaking about the track and how it came about, Brad Kora from L.A.B said, “L.A.B were in the studio late one night, and this version of Maumahara Noa Ahau came together in a few hours. Having Brannigan come into the studio and add his vocals was an honour.
“We’ve gotten to know the Corrella team after playing a few shows together and doing some work on the Te Matatini track, and we knew Pipiwharauroa’s voice would compliment Joel’s. Maumahara Noa Ahau is a song that we grew up with, and we hope this version might help new generations discover it too,” says Brad.
Maumahara Noa Ahau was originally conceived by Brannigan using lyrics from his aunt, Keri Kaa, an incredibly gifted storyteller. Since its initial release, the track has been embraced by Māori across Aotearoa.
Speaking of this new version of the track, Brannigan Kaa said, “Please enjoy the new version by L.A.B.I know Koka Keri will be, because I am! Thank you to Brad & Joel from L.A.B, and Pipi & Ngawai from Corrella who chose it.”
Currently on tour across Australia, this special release comes on the heels of a busy 2024 which saw both L.A.B and Corrella perform shows across the world. Both released new albums, both of which featured in Rolling Stone’s Top 50 Albums of 2024 (L.A.B #12, Corrella #46). With both set to return to the studio in 2025, Maumahara Noa Ahau is a gift to fans, putting a new spin on a classic waiata.
