Rotorua Band Kotahi Te Rā Crowned Champions of Smokefree Tangata Beats 2025
Rotorua band Kotahi te Rā has taken the top prize at the national final of Smokefree Tangata Beats, a platform for emerging young musicians reflecting the unique cultural identity of Aotearoa New Zealand and the South Pacific. The band,comprised of Webster on drums,Te Ariki Rogers on bass,Te Irimana Edmunds on guitar,and vocalists Te Rauna Webster-Tarei and Te Umairangi Webster-Tarei,whose members trace lineage to Te Arawa,Tūhoe,Te Whānau-ā-Apanui,and Ngāpuhi,impressed judges with their clear identity and technical skill.
Judge Jeff Newton described Kotahi te Rā as the “most realised” band of the competition, noting, “They had a very clear identity and they knew who they were and what they stood for. Technically, they were one of the most sound acts of the night.”
The band members expressed their excitement, stating, “It feels good to win, we’re proud of ourselves. We just came to jam and have fun, and to share the message of our songs. Its about to raise up and have a voice. We want to demonstrate to the younger generation that you don’t have to be heard just through kaupapa haka. It might very well be other things like theater, music, whatever your passion is.”
Kotahi Te Rā secured $3000 in musical equipment from Rockshop and an $8000 New Music Single grant from NZ On Air to record a single, film a music video, and promote the release.
Mana whenua from Tamatea college and flaxmere College in Hawke’s Bay placed second in the band category, receiving $1500 in Rockshop equipment.Levol Y from Manurewa High School in Auckland was named the winning solo/duo act for 2025.
Smokefree Tangata beats, run alongside Smokefreerockquest, has a proven track record of launching accomplished musical careers.Past participants include Ria Hall, spacifix, Adeaze, strangely Arousing, Alien Weaponry, and Nesian Mystik – the latter being the only Aotearoa band to achieve 10 gold or platinum-certified singles.
