Block Baby is a raw and honest track created by Akatea Callaghan, a young artist from Naenae. It is the ultimate expression of this year’s Youth Week theme: “Our Voice Matters and You Deserve To Be Heard”.
Akatea has been experimenting and creating his own music for several years but yet to find the success he’s looking for. Block Baby is Akatea’s story. It is raw, vulnerable, unapologetic and an absolute banger. It captures a small glimpse of Akatea’s journey growing up in Naenae, enduring the hardships life threw at him and becoming the exceptional tāne he is today. He presents his story as it should be told; through his eyes and with his words:
Akatea and the team at Zeal created a plan for the music video to accompany the track which was shot over the course of an afternoon between Akatea’s home and Naenae centre. We are so proud of Akatea and how he has navigated his life journey, taking him to this point. He is an
incredible artist and gifted lyricist who we know will do incredible things, we’re just happy to have been able to join him for this small step on his path to success.
Akatea hopes that rangatahi across Aotearoa (and beyond) will connect with his story, enjoy the track and know that their voice matters.
This project was made possible by funding from Ara Taiohi and Manatū Taonga Creative Spaces.
Recorded by Mauriora Shelford
Mastered by JPEC, Justin Cederholm
Supported by Wasa Ali
Filmed & edited by Euan MacLaren Graham