Created in partnership with Mentos
Mohi Wati Te Rau Allen, better known as MOHI, is carving out a distinctive space in Aotearoa’s music landscape through soulful songwriting, bilingual storytelling and an unwavering belief in the global potential of waiata Māori.
Born and raised in Henderson, West Auckland, MOHI began playing music in a reggae band during high school before stepping out as a solo artist. His debut EP, Moments, which moved between English and te reo Māori, earned him Most Promising Artist at the 2022 Waiata Māori Music Awards. His debut album, Elements of Aroha, further cemented his momentum, with four of its singles reaching the New Zealand charts and the stirring love song ‘Me Pēhea Rā’ winning the APRA Maioha Award in 2024.
Now, MOHI is entering an ambitious new chapter. His latest bilingual alt-R&B single, ‘December Rain’, offers the second taste of his forthcoming project, Māori Kid Meets World, due in September.
The Mentos Fresh Sounds Class of ’26, curated by Rolling Stone AU/NZ, has officially been unveiled — and now we’re turning the spotlight to even more artists making serious noise. As part of our Up-And-Coming Australian Artists series, we caught up with MOHI to discuss taking waiata Māori to the world, creating space for Indigenous music and the influences shaping his evolving sound.
Rolling Stone AU/NZ: Where are you from?
MOHI: Henderson, West Auckland born and raised. I am a descendant of the Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Ranginui and Ngāti Kahungunu ki Te Wairoa tribes.
Describe your ‘Fresh Sound’ in three words.
Love Music?
Get your daily dose of metal, rock, indie, pop, and everything else in between.
Steezy – Audacious – Māori.
Name three of your biggest musical influences.
D’Angelo – Prince – Loyle Carner.
Tell us about your latest release.
I’ve just released my latest Māori Alt R&B bop “December Rain”, the second release from my new project Māori Kid Meets World, dropping in September. Inspired by the vibes and highs of an L.A.B concert, the track is a sultry blend of bilingual storytelling and alternative R&B with a playful edge. Go check it out now on all streaming platforms.
If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be?
Dijon.
What’s your dream venue to play?
Royal Albert Hall.
What one thing do you think the Aotearoa New Zealand music industry needs right now and why?
More spaces, more stages, more opportunities for Māori music to thrive and be seen and experienced by broader audiences.
What’s coming up for you in 2026 and beyond?
We are absolutely moving this year. I am jamming with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra this Matariki for Waiata Anthems in Concert, cooking up something special with the All Blacks, and I’m dropping my latest album this September. I wholeheartedly believe that Waiata Māori is global, and so if all goes well, this September I’m planning to release my album in London, fingers crossed.
View this post on Instagram
A Rolling Stone AU/NZ-backed music launchpad, the inaugural Mentos Fresh Sounds Class of ’26 was created to support the next generation of talent. Head to the Mentos Fresh Sounds Hub to learn more about our official Class of ’26. Want to be a part of it yourself? Head to the Portal to apply.
