Geneva AM Shares Debut Single / Video 'IHO'

Lead singer for the electronic audio-visual melting pot that was Tāmaki Makaurau's SoccerPractise, Geneva Alexander-Marsters (Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairoa) aka Geneva AM has re-emerged with the debut waiata under her new solo moniker 'IHO'. Released as part of the Waiata Anthems initiative, 'IHO' was sparked by the artist's experience giving birth to her son at home on Waiheke Island — envisioned as "a poignant reminder for herself and a powerful inspiration for fellow Māori mothers to embrace the transformative strength of tīkanga-led childbirth". Riding a pulsing groove through zones somewhere between gothic new wave and cinematic post-rock, the video for 'IHO' depicts Geneva AM within a dramatic coastal setting, including accompanying English subtitles for the te reo lyrics — directed by Ophelia Harradine Bayly, made with support from the Waiata Takitahi Fund from NZ On Air and Te Māngai Pāho.

"I think that this song could encourage people to not fear birth, because there is a lot of fear, and the fear is what will hurt you the most. I just want people to feel empowered their womb space. And know they are powerful; they are the gateway between life and death." — Geneva AM

'IHO' is out now on major streaming platforms.