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‘Aro’, release breathtaking new video for single ‘Tohorā’

Bilingual husband & wife duo, Aro,  have once again teamed up with talented Film crew; director Hattie Adams, and producer Ryan Bradley, to share the legend that is ‘Tohorā’, a dedication to our ‘guardians’, those people that have been there when we needed them most. A story of kinship and protection, from near and far, a kaitiaki that has been essential for generations and is, maybe more so now.

“This song is about the way a Tohorā (whale) is depicted in Māori legends, as a guardian, much like some people can be in our lives. This song is  a dedication to those who have been there for us when we needed them to be.” 

Aro is made up of husband and wife Charles (Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa, Ngāti Te Ata, Te Ati Awa) and Emily Looker (nee Rice). The Auckland based pair share a passion for the power of language and music to tell stories and remind us of our cultural identity. 

In Spring 2021 the talented duo released their 3rd official music release ‘He Wai’. The third major project out of five for the Silver Scroll APRA Maioha Award and APRA Best Children’s Award Finalists. ‘He Wai’ celebrated 5 waiata inspired and guided by our relationship to te taiao and what we can learn from it, about ourselves and each other.

  ‘Tohorā’ is inspired by the story of kauri and the whale and has been released with a brand new video thanks to support from NZ on Air. 

“According to Northland iwi, the kauri tree is the ancestor of the sperm whale. Many moons ago Parāoa called out to Kauri from the sea, “Hey Kauri, come join me in the ocean”. But Kauri said, “I don’t think so. It’s much warmer for my roots here on land”. Therefore, as an act of kinship, and to help protect each other, they traded skin. This is why their skin is similar to this day.”

The video depicts this story with two young brothers, one representing land, the other sea. They meet together on a beach and play, and soon decide to adventure underwater together, but after a scary

encounter with a Taniwha, the two realise they do not belong in the same environment. They decide to trade skin, symbolising their bond with one another and return to their respective homes as connected friends.

Aro hope to continue sharing their music in a live format in 2022, despite the nationwide Covid challenges. With a very special bond on stage they are renowned for delivering a polished, moving & beautiful performance.

To hear more from Aro head over to the Songbroker Search Engine.

Listen and watch ‘Tohorā’ here:

Aro, Emily Rice, Charles Looker, He Wai, Te Reo, Music Video, Songbroker, Songbroker Music Publishing, Music Licensing
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