Theia Shares New Single / Video 'BALDH3AD!'

Recipient of the 2023 Best Independent Debut Award for her work as TE KAAHU and now based in LA, Theia (Waikato-Tainui, Ngāti Tīpā) signals for war against the structures of colonisation in new single ‘BALDH3AD!’. Out just ahead of Te Wiki o te Reo Māori / Māori Language Week, Theia gives the first tease for her debut album set for 2025 — a searing protest anthem railing against our coalition government, urgently demanding respect for the rights of tangata whenua. "Baldhead, you’re so well fed on my destruction," Theia spits, backed by a haunting choir, confronting issues such as police brutality (“I cannot breathe, please step off of my chest” citing George Floyd's death), environmental destruction and ongoing injustices regarding Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Atop a crag on the picturesque Wainuiomata coast, Theia dons a garment inspired by those worn by 1800s British queens, in the striking video made with support from NZ On Air. Her mission of decolonisation is shared by some students of Te Whanganui-a-Tara's Massey University, where she was Mātairangi Mahi Toi / Artist In Residence last year. In the clip they are adorned in gorgeous kākahu (traditional clothing that represents beauty and strength). Listen out also for medieval accordions and a pūtaratara — a conch blown to action a warcry...

"'BALDH3AD!' is my musical assault on the plague of colonisation, which has impacted our people since the 1800s and continues to threaten our language and culture under the current government. It’s an expression of seething anger but also a call to action for my fellow wāhine Māori, rangatahi Māori and indigenous folks worldwide.

Through ‘BALDH3AD!’ I hope people are reminded of the atrocities that have occurred in our country and of the deep wounds that are now being reopened because of the actions of our current government.

I also hope that other Māori, and indigenous folks, are reminded of our power. Despite a system that strives to eradicate our language and culture, we are carrying on the work of our ancestors. We will keep fighting for justice and for the betterment of our people. And as youth, we are standing strong together." — Theia