Teenage metal band nominated for best music video at 2018 Waiata Māori Music Awards

Thrash metal band Alien Weaponry has been nominated for best music video at the Waiata Māori Music Awards with the likes of Ria Hall, Troy Kingi, Rob Ruha also across a number of categories. 

Alien Weaponry, who are nominated for 'Best Music Video By A Māori Artist,' made headlines last year for their unique mix of heavy metal music and Te Reo Maori.

Made up of three male teenagers, Alien Weaponry has been signed to a three-year contract with Berlin-based management agency Das Maschine.

The awards are into its 11th year of celebrating Māori music after being established by the late composer, musician and teacher Tama Huata to acknowledge and honour the keepers, teachers, promoters, creators and performers of Māori music.

Tama’s daughter Ellison now helms the awards as the Executive Director.

"The Waiata Māori Music Awards provide a unique opportunity to celebrate both our traditional and contemporary Māori artists,” says Ellison.

This year’s ceremony will be held on the evening of Friday, September 14th in Hastings at the Clubs Hastings, Cnr of Victoria & Albert Street, Hastings.

Full list of finalists:

Best Māori Female Solo Artist

Best Māori Male Solo Artist

Best Māori Traditional Album Te Reo Māori

Best Māori Pop Album

Best Māori Urban Rap/Hip Hop/Rnb Album

Best Māori Urban Roots/Reggae Album

Best Song By a Māori Artist

Best Māori Songwriter

Best Music Video By A Māori Artist

Iconic Award Recipients

Keepers Of Tradition:

Lifetime Contribution To Māori Music Awards:

Music Industry Award:

Iconic Māori Music Composers Award – Historical: