Marlon Williams – The House of Tīwekaweka

      A spiritual exploration from the New Zealand musician...

      03 · 04 · 2025

      Marlon Williams’ fourth album, ‘Te Whare Tīwekaweka (The Messy House)’, is a luminous, uplifting, and spiritual work that evokes a sense of belonging. For Marlon, ‘Te Whare Tīwekaweka’ encapsulates a dynamic creative environment, aptly reflecting his tendency to merge genres. He believed that reconnecting with his ancestral language was essential for regaining his musical creativity, leading to the creation of his first Māori record. Regarding the process of making the album, Marlon expresses: “I’ve discovered a way to articulate my joys, sorrows, and humor that feels distinctly new while also linking me to my tīpuna [ancestors] and my whenua [land].” Over five years, the 14-track LP exists in a space where understanding language is no longer the main form of expression.

      The standout track in the collection is the lead single ‘Aua Atu Rā’, which was also the first song composed for the album. In this piece, Marlon turns the whakatauki saying “he waka eke noa (we're all in this boat together)” on its head, instead reflecting on solitude and lamenting, “Ko au anake Ki te waka Ki te moana (I am alone in this boat on the ocean).” Despite its gentle and bright instrumentation, Marlon’s soaring vocals convey a profound sense of loneliness.

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      The concept of chosen family plays a significant role in the album, highlighted by the appearance of old friend Lorde on the second single ‘Kāhore He Manu E’. This poignant piano ballad features deeply melancholic and poetic lyrics: ‘Haehaea te marama, maringi toto miraka (Scratch down the moon, let it bleed milk) / Tīramarama atu, e kimi ake rā (and shine out, ever searching) / Kāhore i taе i ahau te tuku mihi koropai (I didn’t get to say my goodbyes)’. Discussing her collaboration with Marlon, Lorde stated, “[it] is one of my favourite things to do on earth,” and added, “I noticed that as he progressed through the album, my friend delved deeper into understanding himself, his whānau, and his broader world.”

      Another highlight on the album is the Māori folk song ‘Whakamaettia Mai’. The track exudes a comforting familiarity, reminiscent of a campfire serenade on a warm summer night. With its harmonious choral vocals, the song stands out effortlessly. For ‘Te Whare Tīwekaweka’, Marlon was inspired by the proverb “Ko te reo Māori, he matapihi ki te ao Māori (The Māori language is a window to the Māori world).” This is reflected in the choice to perform the album opener ‘E Mawehe Ana Au’ entirely a cappella, providing a warm and striking introduction to this beautiful project. Meanwhile, the melodic album closer ‘Pōkaia Rā te Marama’ is rich with heartfelt harmonies and exquisite vocal expressions – emotion is intricately woven into every note and breath of the instrumentation.

      Marlon creates a sonic journey, leading us to the essence of his ancestry. His homeland is portrayed not just through words, but through sound, where melody, rhythm, and emotion create a language that transcends conventional language, speaking directly to the soul. This is an album that seeks to be felt rather than fully understood.

      9/10

      Words: Melvin Boateng

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