How these Muslim and Māori musicians honour their whakapapa through music
By Fourplait
“Whakapapa means everything in a lot of ways. I think it’s a huge pool to draw from for the things you create.”
Award-winning musician Dr Umar Zakaria, who is Singapore-born Melayu and raised in Pōneke Wellington, is known for his innovative approach to jazz music. His compositions have been performed by prominent groups like the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.
He often integrates diverse musical traditions - a reflection of his heritage - and has produced projects like Jazz Melayu, which blends traditional Malay tunes with contemporary jazz.
Dr Ruby Solly (Kāi Tahu, Waitaha, Kāti Māmoe) is a Jewish-Māori writer, taongo pūoro practitioner, artist and composer. Her work has been published in America, Australia, Antarctica and extensively in Aotearoa.
Umar, who’s now based in Melbourne, has returned to Pōneke to reconnect with his friend Ruby and they talk about how their friendship has endured over many years despite their differences.
Ahi Wānanga (the fires of discussion) is a six-part web series exploring what identity, belonging and resilience is to 12 young people from Aotearoa’s Muslim and Māori communities.
Watch the series now on TVNZ+ and YouTube.
Made by Fourplait with the support of NZ On Air.
More stories from Ahi Wānanga:
