Our Qobuzissime award is traditionally reserved for an artist’s first or second album—a debut statement that brings something fresh to the musical landscape. However, every so often, an album comes along that warrants bending the rules. Te Whare Tīwekaweka, Marlon Williams’ fourth solo album, is one such rare exception. This record, his first sung entirely in te reo Māori, is a stunning departure from his established sound, offering an intimate and profound exploration of identity, language, and connection.
Having spent the past decade crafting his distinctive Southern Hemisphere take on folk-pop, country, and bluegrass, Williams returned home to Lyttelton, Ōtautahi, reconnecting with family and deepening his understanding of his ancestral tongue. With the guidance of Lyttelton-based rapper Kommi, he embarked on a journey to express his deepest emotions in te reo Māori, resulting in a work that is both a personal milestone and a cultural triumph.
The album’s title, Te Whare Tīwekaweka, draws inspiration from a Māori proverb meaning “The Māori language is a window to the Māori world.” Through these songs, Williams discovers a new means of musical expression, embracing a lyrical honesty that transcends language barriers.
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