Acclaimed singer-songwriter Marlon Williams has made history with his latest album, Te Whare Tīwekaweka, becoming the first full original te reo Māori album to reach number one on both the Official Top 40 Music Chart and the Official Top 20 Aotearoa Album Chart.
Released on April 4, 2025, Te Whare Tīwekaweka—which translates to “The Messy House”—is Williams’ fourth solo album and his first entirely in te reo Māori.
The album reflects a deeply personal journey of cultural reconnection for the artist of Ngāi Tahu and Ngāi Tai descent.
This is also Marlon Williams third album to debut at #1 on the Official Top 40 album chart.
“Through the process of constructing these songs, I’ve found a means of expressing my joys, sorrows, and humour in a way that feels both distinctly new, yet also connects me to my tīpuna and my whenua,” Williams said in an earlier press release.
The album features 14 tracks that blend Williams’ signature mix of folk, country, and indie rock with traditional Māori elements. Collaborators include Māori rapper and language lecturer KOMMI, who co-wrote several songs, and pop artist Lorde, who lends her voice to the track “Kāhore He Manu E.” The album also features the kapa haka choir He Waka Kōtuia, adding rich choral harmonies to the compositions.
Williams is currently touring New Zealand to promote the album, with performances scheduled across the country, including two shows at Christchurch Town Hall on June 27 and 28.
Te Whare Tīwekaweka is available on major streaming platforms and in physical formats, including vinyl and CD.
