IA, a Taonga pūoro band, has collaborated with award-winning artist Rei to release their new single, "He Piko He Tuna" [1, 13]. This R&B-infused track marks the beginning of New Zealand Music Month [1].
"He Piko He Tuna" blends smooth R&B with minimalist beats and the sounds of the Punga Ihu (clay nose flute) [1, 9]. The song evokes a sense of nostalgia reminiscent of late '90s R&B and hip-hop [1]. The lyrics tell a story about the eel (tuna), symbolizing resilience and the complexities of love [1, 9, 15]. Rei reinterprets the traditional Tainui whakataukī "he piko he taniwha" into "he piko he tuna," signifying love's enduring presence [1].
IA and Rei's collaboration began at the International Indigenous Music Summit in Canada in 2023 [1]. The song was created remotely across Tāmaki Makaurau, Central Asia, and Ngaruawahia [1]. The music video, filmed in Taupō, captures the song's metaphorical essence [1]. "He Piko He Tuna" is available on all streaming platforms [1].