Artist Spotlight: AJAY PENI ATAERA
Ahead of the release of Hokomenetai on Friday 1 May — a modern collection of traditional Moriori rongo (music) and karakī (prayers/incantations) — we sat down with artist Ajay Peni Ataera to go a little deeper behind the music.
Tell us (in a nutshell) what this album is about:
This album is a journey from creation to identity, grounded in the core values that define us as a imi. Hokomenetai means “to gather in peace.” It reflects the sacrifices of our karāpuna (ancestors) and calls on us, as future holders of this culture, to move forward with integrity — protecting what matters for the next generation.
How would you describe the sound or feeling of this project in three words?
Gentle. Introspective. Foundational.
What does creating Moriori rongo and karakī mean to you personally?
For me, it’s about legacy — creating a strong foundation of meaningful art for the next generation. Doing this for my culture and place feels like working toward something bigger than myself. It’s like planting trees my son will one day benefit from.
What do you hope people feel or take away when they listen?
A sense of calmness, curiosity, and openness — space to learn and share together, free from old stigma and weight.
Did any tracks surprise you as they came together?
Most of them did, in different ways. Manaaka Mai/Tira Koko was the first track I recorded, and it came together in about ten minutes. That gave me the confidence to take on the rest of the album.
Creating rongo is a different process to my usual songwriting. I can’t just push through it — if I’m not in a peaceful, open state of mind, it doesn’t come. But when it does, it feels very natural.
How does Rēkohu influence your sound or storytelling?
Deeply — it always has. The landscape, the weather, the isolation, the people — it all shapes my work. Rongo takes that connection even deeper.
What role does language and sound play in your work?
With rongo, language is the foundation. Sound brings the colour and the feeling.
If this album had a colour or landscape, what would it be?
Pāua tones. And the landscape — it’s everything. It’s hard to separate, because it all plays a part.
This project was supported by Te Keke Tura Moriori Identity Trust on behalf of Hokotehi Moriori Trust.
To pre-save Hokomenetai to your favourite music streaming platform, follow the link below.