LATEST RELEASES
Born from the late legend Aaron Tokona’s AHoriBuzz, Dillastrate have established themselves as one of New Zealand’s most dynamic and forward-thinking acts. Known for their electrifying live performances and deep musical chemistry, the duo have captivated audiences across the motu and beyond, performing to crowds of over 20,000 and earning a reputation as highly sought-after session musicians for both stage and studio. Fusing soul, electronica, roots and distinctively Aotearoa sounds, a live Dillastrate performance is a finely tuned and explosive experience that can transform entire venue crowds from stationery to dancing-their-asses-off in a matter of seconds.
Dillastrate’s commitment to creating powerful waiata reo Māori has garnered national and international attention. Their single Kei Whati Te Marama won the prestigious Silver Scrolls Tohu Maioha award (2025) recognising excellence in contemporary Māori music. The track also features as the official theme song for New Zealand Cricket (Black Caps and White Ferns) for 2025/26 and was highlighted by Rolling Stone as a “song you need to know”. Similarly, earlier anthem Ko Tātou Te Ahi—recorded and produced by Tiki Taane in a live session inside the wharenui at Ngā Hau e Wha Marae—was featured as the New Zealand Cricket theme song for two consecutive international seasons (2023–2025), accompanied by a Waiata Anthems documentary showcasing Dillastrate’s creative process and connection to the rohe.
The duo’s growing discography demonstrates both range and consistency. Since the release of their debut EP Black Diamond, Dillastrate have been relentlessly pushing their music into new territory, with their two albums released to-date (Ngā Pounamu, 2024; Dillastrate, 2019). With five singles reaching the Aotearoa New Zealand Top 20 Charts and frequent appearances on international editorial playlists across Spotify and Apple Music, Dillastrate’s catalogue continues to resonate with an increasingly global audience. Their music has been widely featured in major publications including Rolling Stone, reinforcing their place among the most vital voices in modern Aotearoa music.
Dillastrate are expanding their creative horizons while remaining true to their kaupapa of celebrating and uplifting te ao Māori through waiata reo Māori. Following hot on the heels of a string of successful recent releases, their new EP We Built This World With Aroha features brand new, engaging and infectious waiata reo Māori (expected to be released before the end of 2025).
