Maako (Maraki Kepa Maaka) is a Māori artist, producer, and songwriter whose sound blends R&B/Soul with roots and island reggae, grounded in her iwi connections to Ngāti Awa, Te Arawa, and Ngāti Porou. Born in Lower Hutt and raised between Wellington and the Bay of Plenty – with deep ties to Matatā, Te Teko, and Kawerau – Maako carries both her culture and community into her music.

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Her artistry is defined by honesty: every song must carry meaning, shaped by lived experience rather than formula. Singing first in church and still finding confidence in her voice for God, Maako honed her craft in 2019 before stepping into her own as a recording artist in 2020. Influenced by her mother, her upbringing in church, and vocal icons like Beyoncé and Jazmine Sullivan, she delivers a powerful, soulful sound she describes as “not for everyone, but true soul and R&B.”

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A key milestone came when Maako performed alongside Teina Mamaori, TJ & Huri, Classick J, Brutha Rodz, and DJ Twitch on the Skank To This mini tour. Following this experience, she officially joined the Sick Wit It Crew, cementing her place among a collective of rising Polynesian and Māori artists. Her collaboration with Teina Mamaori on the single Most High marked another breakthrough moment, with more projects ready to drop.

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Looking ahead, Maako’s short-term vision includes performing at a major festival, opening for established artists, and touring Australia, while her long-term goals extend to international touring and ensuring her whānau are uplifted on the journey. Stoney, dopey, and beautiful, Maako’s spirit is as unforgettable as her sound.