Worth the Wait

Wellington-based Maori electronic duo Wai has released their second international release Ora and Guardian reviewer Andy Childs gives it four out of five stars. “Ten years ago, singer Mina Ripia and her partner Maaka McGregor set out to shake up the New Zealand music scene by mixing the melodies, rhythms and language of the Maori people with subtle western electronic,” Childs writes. “Their album 1 per cent was deservedly nominated for awards … It has taken them years to complete, and involves a variety of special guests, including Iain Gordon from their more boisterous compatriots Fat Freddy’s Drop, but the resulting songs are remarkably fresh and uncluttered. It has been worth the wait.”