Marlon Williams Wins Silver Scroll Award in Hometown Celebration

The prestigious Silver Scroll Award for the best New Zealand song of 2025 has been awarded to Marlon Williams for his powerful lament, Aua Atu Rā. The announcement took place on March 27, 2025, at the Isaac Theatre Royal in Christchurch, marking a significant moment for both the artist and his hometown. Williams co-wrote the song with Lyttelton rapper Kommi, who collaborated with him on the acclaimed Māori album Te Whare Tīwekaweka.

This year’s Silver Scrolls ceremony was particularly special, as it was held in Christchurch for the first time since the devastating Canterbury earthquakes. The event featured a range of nominees from the local music scene, including Dillistrate, Fazerdaze, and There’s a Tuesday. Reflecting on his nomination, Williams expressed gratitude, noting that the awards are “big in terms of awards… this is a peer-nominated award so it’s my people.”

Williams recalled attending his first Silver Scrolls in 2009 at the Christchurch Town Hall when he was just 18. He fondly remembered Lawrence Arabia winning the award for Apple Pie Bed. The singer shared his feelings about the changes in the city since then, saying, “A lot of people who I love aren’t here anymore that I would love to hang out and party with tonight.”

The evening showcased performances from the top five finalists, including a rendition of Aua Atu Rā by local folk/country duo, the Mitchell Twins. The song, inspired by 1960s Māori showbands, has resonated deeply with audiences, securing the number one position on the Aotearoa Official Top 40 Album Chart for an impressive 14 weeks.

This latest accolade marks the second Silver Scroll for Williams, who previously won in 2018 for his song Nobody Gets What They Want Anymore. He becomes the ninth songwriter to achieve multiple wins, joining the ranks of notable artists such as Ray Columbus, Dave Dobbyn, and Lorde.

The ceremony was hosted by TV and radio personality Stacey Morrison, alongside local singer-songwriter Jed Parsons. Nominees such as Amelia Murray, known as Fazerdaze, and the indie folk group There’s a Tuesday were also present. Nat Hutton from There’s a Tuesday described their nominated song Margo as a reflection of her “alter ego” during her formative years. Hutton expressed the surreal feeling of standing alongside admired artists, calling it “a bit of a dream.”

Fazerdaze echoed similar sentiments, feeling “honoured” to be recognized among such talented peers. “It’s so special… Just to have my song in the mix, I’m absolutely chuffed,” she said.

In addition to the Silver Scroll, the Maioha Award was presented to Christchurch duo Dillistrate for their uplifting track Kei Whati Te Marama. The award, which honors the best Māori language song, was accepted by Henare Kaa and Tim Driver, along with co-writers Hemi Hoskins and Rory Noble. The duo expressed their joy, stating, “You work your absolute *** off for as long as you can remember, it’s an incredible feeling.”

The SOUNZ Contemporary Award was awarded to Ihlara McIndoe for her composition Of Coral and Foam. Currently based in New York, McIndoe accepted her award via video message. The work was later performed by the Heather Webb Ensemble during the ceremony.

Other notable awards included the Best Original Music in a Series award, which went to Mahuia Bridgman-Cooper for the NZ/Ireland co-production The Gone Season 2. The Best Original Music in a Feature Film award was awarded to Arli Liberman and Tiki Taane for their work on Ka Whawhai Tonu – Struggle Without End.

The event also celebrated the induction of the renowned alt-country band The Warratahs into the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame. Their influence on the local music scene has been significant, shaping a distinctly Kiwi style of country music. Local alt/rock songwriter Adam Hattaway paid tribute by performing their song Keep On.

Closing the evening was a heartfelt tribute to those in the music community who have passed in the last year. Kommi, alongside his bandmates Tae Renee and Delaney Davidson, took to the stage for a poignant performance. The night culminated with a collaboration between Williams and Davidson, performing the Fat Freddy’s Drop song Blackbird, leaving a lasting impression on attendees.

The Silver Scrolls continue to celebrate the rich tapestry of New Zealand music, highlighting both established and emerging talent while fostering a sense of community within the industry.