HAWAIKI is the 11 track CD album release from Tangata Recording artist RUIA. Hawaiki is predominantly a reggae album with a pop jazz tinge, sung completely in the Maori Language.

All of the songs on Hawaiki were composed by Ruia....Im so happy and pleased with the final results of this album, and this one in particular, holds a lot of memories as some of these compositions date back 10 years says Ruia.

Hawaiki, the album title, is drawn from the spiritual homeland of the many peoples who later became known as Maori.

Renowned musician Billy Kristian, whose credits include award winner Whirimako Black, produced Hawaiki. Billy produced the album in his far North recording studio, handling programming, playing various instruments and co-arranging.

Doug Jane engineered and mixed..... his tolerance and patience as engineer was just what I needed during certain creative moments, they were a good team. Some of the tracks were remixed in Wellington by Jeremy Geor (aka 50Hz) who produced Ruia (and brother Raneas) first album Whare Maori.

The backing vocalists for the majority of the album were Erina Henare-Aperahama, Vivienne Merito and Stephanie Pohe. working together on four albums now, they have all etched there mark on my sound, the best backing vocal team I could ever have asked for.

The musicians on the album include guitarist JD (ex Ardijah)JD on lead and rhythm guitar, additional guitar players were Ruias brothers Manny and Ranea Aperahama, session guitarist Rob Winch, up and coming producer Aaron Davey, and Mr Carl Doy, grand piano playing on Nei Ra To Ki.

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Nga Waiata :

1. Ma Tika Mai Ra

2. Ko Te Tohu

3. I Te Onekura

4. Nei Ra To ki

5. E Te Potiki

6. Nei Te Tirit

i 7. E Tae

8. Ka Tangi

9. Whakarere

10. Aue

11. Ka Tangi Te Titi