Lyttelton Rapper Kommi Nominated for Prestigious Silver Scroll Award

Lyttelton rapper Kommi, known for their distinctive “witch-hop” style, has received a nomination for the prestigious APRA Silver Scroll Awards set for October 29, 2023. This recognition highlights the significant impact of the artist, who collaborates with renowned musician Marlon Williams and performs in Te Reo Māori. The event will take place in Christchurch, marking its return since the devastating Canterbury earthquakes.

Kommi, who identifies as non-binary and uses they/them pronouns, served as the official support act for Williams’ recent tour promoting his first Māori language album. This included performances at notable venues such as the Christchurch Town Hall and the Spark Arena in Auckland. Their collaboration has reached new heights with the nomination for the song “Aua Atu Rā,” which stands out as one of only two fully Te Reo Māori tracks nominated in the awards’ history.

The nomination is a personal milestone for Kommi, who expressed their intention behind “Aua Atu Rā”: “to create something that carried the reo and the feeling of our stories.” The song reflects a blend of personal and cultural narratives, showcasing their iwi, Kāi Tahu. Competing against established artists such as Fazerdaze and JessB, Kommi’s work is also nominated in the specific Māori music category, the Tohu Maioha/Maioha Award.

With an artistic approach that combines humor and sharp social commentary, Kommi’s performances have captivated audiences across New Zealand. Their response to the Silver Scrolls nomination was initially humorous, admitting, “Oh, I’m so underground, I don’t know what that is,” but affirmed their commitment to attending the event.

Having grown up in Dunedin, Kommi has immersed themselves in various hip-hop influences, including artists like The Fresh Prince. Their unique genre, referred to as “witch-hop,” draws inspiration from traditional Māori practices, infusing elements of spirituality and indigenous identity into their music. They describe their art as reflecting both personal experiences and broader cultural themes.

Kommi has extensive experience in the broadcasting industry, having worked at Channel 9 in Dunedin and Māori Television. Their involvement in the arts extends beyond music; they lecture in Māori and Indigenous Studies, emphasizing the importance of cultural authenticity. This commitment to cultural integrity is evident in their criticism of cultural appropriation, which has become a frequent topic in their conversations with collaborators like Williams.

Their previous EP, “Tauwhenua,” explores themes of relationships and cultural identity. The track “Hōhā Nei Au” critiques cultural appropriation, addressing issues such as misrepresentation in advertising. Kommi’s activism is further reflected in their unreleased material, which includes political themes and protest songs.

Looking ahead, Kommi is set to work on a new album with support from Williams, aiming to feature a diverse array of artists, some of whom have never rapped in Te Reo Māori. They expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with other musicians, including Lyttelton producer Ferby and friend Delaney Davidson.

In addition to their musical pursuits, Kommi’s work is featured in the exhibition “Whāia te Taniwha” at the Christchurch Art Gallery, which runs until February 15. This exhibition highlights the intersection of contemporary Māori art and culture, further establishing Kommi’s role as a significant figure in the artistic community.

As Kommi prepares for the upcoming awards night, their journey reflects not only personal achievement but also a broader movement to elevate Māori language and culture in contemporary music.