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Te Karanga Trust Rising Artists Release ‘Revolution’
“Our Voices Matter, We Deserve to be Heard”
A powerful new waiata created by rangatahi, for rangatahi - sharing their voice, their truth, and their lived experience across Aotearoa.
A new waiata from Te Karanga Trust rising artists, 'Revolution' has been released to mark Ara Taiohi Youth Week 2026 (18–24 May) - a nationwide moment recognising the impact, creativity, and leadership of rangatahi across Aotearoa. 'Revolution' stands as Youth Week in action, demonstrating what can happen when young people are trusted to lead, supported to create, and given the space to express themselves authentically.
Drawn from their lived experiences - their whakaaro, identity, and truth - 'Revolution' reflects this year’s Youth Week theme, “Our Voices Matter, We Deserve to be Heard,” offering a powerful reminder that rangatahi already have a voice - what matters is whether we are listening.
Created by emerging artists from the Te Karanga Charitable Trust Bridge the Gap programme, the track brings together a diverse range of voices across Tāmaki Makaurau. AKL MADZ (Pākehā, Indian) leads the production and creative direction. TY (Ngāti Whātua ki Kaipara) brings depth and emotion through her vocals. BRDG3 (Samoan, Cook Island, Indian) delivers spoken word and rap grounded in identity and lived experience, and pRieZt (Ngāpuhi and Ngāti Porou) contributes raw honesty and perspective - together forming a collective voice that reflects the strength, diversity, and creativity of rangatahi today.
It was a privilege to have Tom Scott and Haz Beats (Homebrew) as mentors, sharing their knowledge and guiding the process, while the rangatahi led the creative direction and voice of the project.
A valued member of the 'Revolution' team, Tenaya Smerdon music video director, videographer and editor documented the journey, capturing the voice, growth, and lived experience of the rangatahi throughout the creative process.
It’s been wonderful to have the support of Bigpop Studios, who are distributing 'Revolution' across all major DSP and streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.
“Revolution shows what happens when rangatahi are given space to speak - they use their voices to push for change and be heard, and our role is to listen.” — TK White, Director of Programmes and Community Engagement, Te Karanga Charitable Trust
At its core, 'Revolution' is about making space. The song was not created to chase a particular sound, but to hold space for honesty, difference, and stories that are not always heard. Every lyric carries meaning, and every verse comes from somewhere real - creating a track that is both personal and collective in its expression.
This project is a collaboration between Te Karanga Charitable Trust and Ara Taiohi, the kaitiaki of Youth Week. It brings together Te Karanga’s grassroots work alongside rangatahi with Ara Taiohi’s national advocacy for a strong and connected youth development sector. Through this partnership, 'Revolution' becomes more than a waiata - it becomes a platform for rangatahi to be seen, heard, and valued.
“Rangatahi already have the voice - our role is to listen, support, and back them.” — Will Mark-Brown, CEO, Te Karanga Charitable Trust
More than a release, 'Revolution; is a call to listen - a reminder that the voices of young people are already present, already powerful, and alread shaping the future.
Download/stream 'Revolution' on all major platforms here.
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