Takapuna Grammar School students stood onstage in their smart uniforms, ready to perform the results of months of hard work at The Big Sing – New Zealand’s largest annual choral event. When one member’s voice rang powerfully in te reo Māori around the hall, attendees sat up a little straighter in their seats. The students then launched into a performance of the Māori song ‘Te Iwi E,’ and the power of their performance will have Music Man readers watching it over and over again.
The choir’s performance combined traditional Māori vocal style with traditional movement. Listeners were blown away by the choir’s talent and the power of their voices, but even more so, they admired what a heartfelt tribute it was to the Māori culture of the land. One viewer shared their feeling that the choir gave the “wonderful Māori hymn the respect and spiritual power it so deserves.” The stunning video has now gained over 1.2 million views in just six months.
On The Big Sing website, the organisers stated a desire to “foster an understanding and appreciation of Māori language and waiata.” I could see just from watching the Takapuna Grammar School’s performance that this is something the choirs take to heart. When I looked up the meaning of the song and discovered it was about standing together in community, even in the face of hardship and loss, I felt even more moved by the depth behind this talented choir’s performance.
The choir not only honored the legacy of the lands they live on with a traditional song performance, but they also carried on their tribute by performing a version of a more modern number. They also performed Tahitian singer Jean Gabilou’s 2001 song ‘Fakateretere’. The song expresses appreciation for the nature of the Pacific Islands. Once again, the choir gave a performance that incorporated Māori tradition and celebrated the cultures of the lands and waters around them.
The Takapuna Grammar School’s performance went beyond a simple choir performance. It was a moving tribute to the legacy of the land they live on. The choice of song and its powerful performance demonstrated the deep respect these singers wanted to show for the traditions of Māori culture. The result was a heartfelt and inspiring message of unity and progress that touched the hearts of those who listened. Their performance has clearly struck a chord, not only in New Zealand but all over the world, as people continue to flock to the video to rewatch this moment of cultural exchange and appreciation.
Takapuna Grammar School’s stirring performance of “Te Iwi E” is a heartfelt tribute to Māori language and community, and a powerful reminder of the impact young choirs can have. Discover more about this remarkable ensemble and the song’s meaning via the useful links below.