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Ruha says he has a number of compositions that are works in progress, with themes including the loss of loved ones and depression.
The most important part of the process for him is putting pen to paper, which he sees as a form of medicine.
When it comes to his use of te reo Māori, Ruha draws on the vernacular of his hometown of Te Tairawhiti, where, according to Ruha, his people have often modified or adapted the language.
Ruha's song 'Kalega' is based on the phrase 'Ka Reka' (Sweet as).
“We have a huge tradition of spinning words…it’s not a new thing. Tuini Ngawai used to write it in her songs and before that, there were composers that used to do it in their songs.”
Some Māori words that Rob uses are derived from kapahaka, traditional chants and karakia.
“Kapahaka plays a huge part in my compositions. [It] plays a huge part on terms of creating a critical mass of words.”
Te Tai Rāwhiti | Gisborne | Matakaoa-Waiapu | 2010-19 | Story is by tangata whenua
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