Manawa Wera by Ria Hall
Ria Hall returns with the release of her new album, Manawa Wera. Inspired by classic reggae & soul records of the 1970’s such as Third World & Jimmy Cliff, Manawa Wera presents a classic reggae sound in a modern Aotearoa context.
Manawa Wera is an entire project that has been created with the intention of ensuring and upholding the mana of Aotearoa reggae. Each aspect of the project, from the sonic feel of each instrument, to the name of the album, has been done in service of its reggae foundations. While drawing inspiration from the likes of Steel Pulse, Bob Marley, Sly and Robbie and Herbs, Manawa Wera above all sounds like Ria Hall - the sound of a wahine Māori.
Credits
Ria Hall - Lead vocals, lyrics
Laughton Kora - Producer, music director, drums + bass programming, guitar, keys, synths, lyrics, backing vocals
Zane Graham - Drums
Wiremu Barriball - Guitar
Ara Adams - Tamatea - Bass
Hani Totorewa - Keys
Riki Gooch - Percussion
Warren Maxwell - Flute, horn section + arrangement
Andre Paris & Tahupōtiki Pikimaui - Horn section
Miharo Gregory - Keys
Troy Kingi & Rob Ruha - Backing vocals
Produced by Laughton Kora
Recorded & mixed by Dr Lee Prebble at Surgery Studios, Wellington
Mastered by Mike Gibson at Munki Studios
License
All rights reserved.
Ria Hall is an exciting voice on the contemporary New Zealand music landscape. Creatively informed by west coast hip-hop, vintage reggae, classic soul, dancehall ragga and modern beat music, she presents a fresh and vibrant perspective as both a young Māori woman, and as a cutting edge, 21st century singer and artist.