Second single Kāhore He Manu E featuring Lorde out today.
Marlon Williams (Kāi Tahu, Ngāi Tai) is about to release his first Māori language album, Te Whare Tīwekaweka, (out April 4th) and today, also announces a 11-date album tour of Aotearoa.
Performing with his long-time band The Yarra Benders as well as some special appearances from some of the album’s collaborators, Marlon Williams will bring Te Whare Tīwekaweka to life across the main stages in our most illustrious theatre venues.
In another first, Marlon will make his debut headline appearance at Tāmaki Makauru’s Spark Arena this Matariki in what promises to be a sparkling and spectacular arena show.
Today also marks the release of the second single from Te Whare Tīwekaweka, Kāhore He Manu E.
Kāhore He Manu was one of those gentle labours. It played itself out to me, easily and near complete from the first. It was also obvious who should be singing it; Ella’s voice in a very real sense wrote the song. The distinct and striking characteristics in her voice cornering and demanding of the melody and phrasing what only her voice could. Singing with Ella is incredible; the amount of mind she’s able to pour into the vessel. We got to know each other through sharing the highs and lows of touring life, and in a real sense this
song is an ode to the colourful but grim wormhole of road life, to the friends made and lost in the folds of time, visions lost in the blur. – Marlon Williams
“Over the course of several years I watched Marlon pull at the threads that became Te Whare Tīwekaweka. I saw that the further he got into the album, the deeper my friend came to know himself, his whānau and his world at large. Marlon is an undercover perfectionist, and he was never going to embark on this journey without turning over every stone, crafting complex waiata that speak to the past while also braiding in his characteristic humour and X-ray vision. Singing with Marlon is one of my favourite things
to do on earth, whether we are tipsy backstage by a pool table or in a luscious studio, and I was honoured he asked me to sing with him on this album. I’m so proud of my friend.”
– Lorde
Watch the Video for Kāhore He Manu E (Featuring Lorde)
Pre-order Te Whare Tīwekaweka
Te Whare Tīwekaweka Tracklist:
1. E Mawehe Ana Au
2. Kei Te Mārama
3. Aua Atu Rā
4. Me Uaua Kē
5. Korero Māori
6. Ko Tēnā Ua
7. Whakamaettia Mai
8. Ngā Ara Aroha
9. Huri te Whenua (Featuring KOMMI)
10. Kuru Pounamu
11. Kāhore He Manu E (Featuring Lorde)
12. Pānaki
13. Rere Mai Ngā Rau
14. Pōkaia Rā te Marama
Marlon Williams Te Whare Tīwekaweka Tour Dates 2025
With support from KOMMI
MAY
Friday 9/5 – TSB Showplace NEW PLYMOUTH eventfinda.co.nz
Saturday 10/5 – Regent on Broadway PALMERSTON NORTH ticketek.co.nz
Monday12/5 – Napier Municipal Theatre NAPIER ticketek.co.nz
Tuesday 13/5 – War Memorial Theatre GISBORNE ticketek.co.nz
Thursday15/5 – Holy Trinity TAURANGA ticketmaster.co.nz
Friday 16/5 – Clarence Street Theatre HAMILTON ticketek.co.nz
Saturday 17/5 – Sir Howard Morrison Centre ROTORUA ticketmaster.co.nz
JUNE
Saturday 7/6 – St James Theatre WELLINGTON ticketmaster.co.nz
Saturday 21/6 – Spark Arena AUCKLAND ticketmaster.co.nz
Thursday 26/6 – Regent Theatre DUNEDIN regenttheatre.co.nz
Saturday 28/6 – Town Hall CHRISTCHURCH ticketmaster.co.nz
Pre-sale for all ticketer database members commences 12.00pm NZST Monday 3 March. Sign up now.
Tickets for all shows on sale 12.00pm NZST Wednesday 5 March.