Entries for the Waiata Maori Music Awards Close Today!

July 30th 2012
It's Monday 30 July - also know as the closing date for entries into the fifth annual Waiata Maori Music Awards, to be staged in Hastings this September.

The Waiata Māori Music Awards seeks to develop, encourage and honour the achievements of outstanding traditional and contemporary musical compositions and performances annually.

This is the most prestigious music awards ever to acknowledge our Māori composers. This year will see the awards ceremony held on Friday 14 September at the Hawkes Bay Opera House in Hastings.

You can nominate your work in the following categories:

  • Best Māori Traditional Album (Te Reo Māori)
  • Best Māori Urban RAP/Hip Hop/RnB Album
  • Best Māori Pop Album
  • Best Māori Female Solo Artist
  • Best Māori Male Solo Artist
  • Best Māori Song
  • Best Māori Songwriter

More details about the categories can be found here.

There are also four special awards given on the night to those who have made an outstanding contribution.  Those awards are:

Keeper of Traditions Award
This is an individual, who is or has been dedicated to the teaching of Māori culture in music.

Lifetime Contribution to Māori Music Award
This is an individual who has dedicated a large part of their life and career to the promotion and development of Māori music in contemporary or traditional styles.

Music Industry Award
An individual, Māori or non-Māori, who is or has been active in the New Zealand music industry (i.e. in production, promotion, operations, management, etc.) who has, through their dedication to Māori music, made or presently makes a positive impact on Māori music.

Iconic Māori Music Composers Award – Historical
This is an individual that has composed a body of work in Te Reo Māori, from traditional & historical teachings in contemporary or traditional styles that has impacted on the development of Māori Music.

For more information about the Waiata Maori Music Awards, go to their website: www.waiatamaoriawards.co.nz

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