Zeal Wellington
The Story Behind 'Block Baby' - an interview with Akatea Callaghan (NoRekap)
Akatea Callaghan (aka NoRekap) shares the story behind the song and lyrics of 'Block Baby' an original song he created with the support of his Youth Worker, Wasa Ali. The lyrics speak to his experience growing up as a young man in Naenae, his journey with mental health, the importance of his whānau and community and how all this gave him the inspiration to create 'Block Baby'.
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.
Supported by Wasa Ali
Recorded by Mauriora Shelford
Mastered by JPEC, Justin Cederholm
Filmed & edited by Euan MacLaren Graham