BENEE

Lyrics

[Intro/Whakaupoko]
Ooh, ooh

[Verse 1/Tahi Whiti]
Wahangū ana te noho
Tē puta i a au he kupu
Haere ana a mahara
Tē taea te pupuri

[Pre-Chorus/Korihi Mua]
I hē tāku ki a koe
Koinei i roa ai
A muna kua tino ara
Tē aro ka pēnei

[Chorus/Korihi]
Kua kore he kupu
Mō rā kē atu
Puta ana he kupu, waipuketia atu ana
Kua kore he kupu
Tē aro he kupu
He āhuatanga tōu, e tōreretia nei, āe rā

[Verse 2/Rua Whiti]
He āhuatanga tōu, e tōreretia nei
Tiro mai koe anō i patua
Mahue ko ngākau marū
Nā, kua raruraru au
Miere ana te tinana
[Pre-Chorus/Korihi Mua]
I hē tāku ki a koe
Koinei i roa ai
A muna kua tino ara
Tē aro ka pēnei

[Chorus/Korihi]
Kua kore he kupu
Mō rā kē atu
Puta ana he kupu, waipuketia atu ana
Kua kore he kupu
Tē aro he kupu
He āhuatanga tōu, e tōreretia nei, āe rā
He āhuatanga tōu, e tōreretia nei, āe rā
He āhuatanga tōu, e tōreretia nei, āe rā

[Pre-Chorus/Korihi Mua]
I hē tāku ki a koe
Koinei i roa ai
A muna kua tino ara
Tē aro ka pēnei

[Chorus/Korihi]
Kua kore he kupu
Mō rā kē atu
Puta ana he kupu, waipuketia atu ana
Kua kore he kupu
Tē aro he kupu
He āhuatanga tōu, e tōreretia nei, āe rā
He āhuatanga tōu, e tōreretia nei, āe rā
He āhuatanga tōu, e tōreretia nei, āe rā
[Outro/Whakamutunga]
Ooh, ooh

Everyone loves a good remix or cover of their favorite songs, but what about a version entirely in another language? That's exactly what New Zealand artist BENEE did with her hit song "Soaked." In an exciting collaboration with several other Kiwi artists, BENEE contributed to a collective album where each artist sings one of their songs entirely in Te Reo Māori. The result is a fresh and unique take on "Soaked" that not only showcases BENEE's talent but also celebrates the rich cultural heritage of New Zealand.

About Kua Kore He Kupu / Soaked

Released on September 6, 2019, as part of Maori Language week, "Kua Kore He Kupu / Soaked" is BENEE's Te Reo Māori rendition of her popular single "Soaked." The announcement of this exciting project came on August 5, 2019, where BENEE and other renowned Kiwi artists were revealed to be part of the album. A snippet of "Kua Kore He Kupu / Soaked" was also posted on YouTube, giving fans a taste of what to expect.

The decision to release this collective album during Maori Language Week was no coincidence. Maori Language Week is a yearly event that celebrates the indigenous language of New Zealand, Te Reo Māori. It runs from September 9 to September 15 and aims to promote and revitalize the language among the general population. By releasing "Kua Kore He Kupu / Soaked" during this week, BENEE and the other artists contribute to the preservation of Te Reo Māori and showcase its beauty in a contemporary context.

"Kua Kore He Kupu / Soaked" is not merely a direct translation of "Soaked" into Te Reo Māori. Instead, BENEE has carefully crafted altered lyrics to align with the language while maintaining the essence and emotion of the original song. This attention to detail ensures that the Te Reo Māori version feels authentic and showcases BENEE's dedication to embracing and respecting the cultural significance of the language.

The song itself, whether in English or Te Reo Māori, holds its own as a captivating and emotionally charged track. "Soaked" originally gained popularity for its dreamy and melancholic vibe, exploring themes of love and vulnerability. BENEE's smooth, soulful vocals combined with the atmospheric production create an atmospheric and captivating listening experience.

With "Kua Kore He Kupu / Soaked," BENEE takes the essence of the original song and infuses it with the beauty and richness of Te Reo Māori. The language adds an extra layer of depth and cultural significance, making the song even more meaningful to New Zealand listeners. It is a testament to BENEE's artistic versatility and her commitment to connecting with her home country's heritage.

By participating in the collective album, BENEE showcases her solidarity with other Kiwi artists in celebrating Te Reo Māori. This collaboration not only highlights the talent and diversity of New Zealand's music scene but also emphasizes the importance of preserving and promoting indigenous languages. Through their contributions to this album, the artists create a bridge between contemporary music and traditional culture, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Te Reo Māori.

"Kua Kore He Kupu / Soaked" is an exceptional example of a modern song seamlessly translated and reimagined in another language. BENEE's dedication to crafting altered lyrics and her powerful performance in Te Reo Māori elevates this already iconic track to new heights of artistic expression and cultural significance. It stands as a testament to the power of music to foster connection, celebrate diversity, and preserve heritage.

So why not give "Kua Kore He Kupu / Soaked" a listen? Immerse yourself in the mesmerizing sounds of Te Reo Māori and experience the fusion of contemporary pop and cultural tradition. BENEE's rendition of "Soaked" is both a musical and cultural journey that invites listeners to appreciate the beauty and complexity of New Zealand's indigenous language.

• Release Date: September 6, 2019
• Artist: BENEE