Nga Wai o Roto

Maisey Rika's song 'Nga Wai o Roto' is a profound homage to Tangaroa, the Māori god of the sea. The repetition of Tangaroa's name throughout the song emphasizes his omnipresence and significance in Māori culture. The lyrics invoke a sense of reverence and connection to the natural world, particularly the waters that sustain life. This connection is not just physical but spiritual, as the waters are seen as a source of life and well-being.

The song's verses describe various aspects of nature, from the movement of people and animals to the growth of plants and the abundance of fish. The imagery of 'mirimiri' (massage) and 'romiromi' (deep tissue massage) of the body and land suggests a deep, nurturing relationship with the earth. The waters within ('ngā wai ō roto') symbolize inner life and vitality, flowing through and nourishing both the land and its people. This metaphor extends to the idea of balance and harmony, where the natural world and human life are intertwined and mutually sustaining.

The pre-chorus and chorus highlight the ease ('ngāwari noa') with which fish are caught and vegetables are harvested, painting a picture of abundance and harmony with nature. The mention of 'Tangaroa ā mua' (Tangaroa of the past) and 'Tangaroa ā roto' (Tangaroa within) further underscores the timeless and all-encompassing nature of Tangaroa's influence. The song concludes with a series of invocations to Tangaroa, reinforcing the cyclical and eternal nature of life and the sea. Maisey Rika's soulful delivery and the traditional Māori language used in the lyrics add layers of cultural depth and authenticity, making 'Nga Wai o Roto' a powerful tribute to the interconnectedness of life, nature, and spirituality.