Bathe in the River / Kōrukutia

Hollie Smith and Don McGlashan , Music Video – 2021

from the album Waiata Anthems (2021)

Soul singer Hollie Smith admits she felt "scared" revisiting beloved song 'Bathe in the River' for web series Waiata Anthems — but she embraced her fear, because she was keen to help normalise the use of te reo Māori in Kiwi culture. She is joined in this performance of 'Kōrukutia' by songwriter Don McGlashan, who composed the Silver Scroll-winning track for 2006 movie No.2. He provides vocals as part of a powerhouse backline, which includes Annie Crummer, Laughton Kora and te reo language expert Pere Wihongi. Wihongi helped McGlashan and Smith interpret translator Tweedie Waititi's new te reo Māori lyrics.

I think it’s really important we start normalising te reo Māori in all forms. One of the good things about creating more Māori music which is more easily accessible is that it can be a great learning tool. You can start singing along with a familiar song and you get used to the pronunciation too.
– Singer Hollie Smith on the benefits of enjoying music in te reo Māori, Stuff, 22 April 2021