“Whakameatia Mai” is a featured track from Marlon Williams: Ngā Ao E Rua – Two Worlds, a documentary following the New Zealand artist as he reconnects with his Māori heritage. Co-written with KOMMI Tamati-Elliffe, the song is performed entirely in te reo Māori and reflects a clear shift in Williams’ creative direction. The lyrics draw on imagery of storms, earthquakes and collective grief, using natural events as metaphors for emotional disruption and spiritual reflection. The title loosely translates to “Let it be done to me,” pointing to a quiet sense of acceptance or surrender.

The arrangement is sparse and acoustic-led, built around a clean guitar figure and minimal accompaniment: mandolin by Angus Agars, upright bass by Ben Woolley, and acoustic guitar by Dave Khan. While Williams’ background in alt-country and folk remains audible, the phrasing and cadence follow the rhythm of te reo Māori, giving the song its distinct character. Additional instrumentation is used with restraint, creating space rather than layering complexity. The result is intimate and grounded, allowing the language and melody to carry the emotional tone with precision.

Also included on Te Whare Tīwekaweka, Williams’ first full-length album entirely in te reo Māori, “Whakameatia Mai” forms part of a wider body of work centred on cultural reconnection. It marks another step in a career that has ranged from fronting the alt-folk band The Unfaithful Ways to solo records like Make Way for Love and acting roles in A Star Is Born and Sweet Tooth.

The track signals a shift in Williams’ creative trajectory—less a change in direction than an expansion of scope. In the context of both the album and the documentary, it belongs to a larger process of cultural and artistic inquiry: anchored in language, shaped in dialogue, and open to where that leads next.

You can stream, listen to and get your copy of Te Whare Tīwekaweka HERE