MAAKO RELEASES NEW SINGLE - BEAUTY KWEEN

Wellington-based R&B-soul artist Maako releases her new single “Beauty Kween” on Friday the 8th of May 2026, ahead of Mother’s Day. Written by Maako as a personal tribute to her mother, the single is a heartfelt release built on love, gratitude, whānau, and appreciation.

Maako shares:

“This song is for my mum. I love my mum so much! I’ve always been bad with words, so this

song speaks for me.”

Led by warm acoustic guitar and carried by a groovy drum beat, “Beauty Kween” sits in a smooth acoustic soul lane, with a heartfelt vocal performance and Māori language woven naturally into the song. Maako partnered with DJ Twitch to bring the track to life, keeping the focus on her voice, her message, and the emotion behind the tribute. The result is an intimate and uplifting song that feels both personal and easy to connect with — a

soulful dedication that honours Maako’s mother while carrying a wider message of gratitude for the mothers, mother figures, grandmothers, aunties, and women who shape our lives.

Through the use of Māori language and personal storytelling, “Beauty Kween” reflects Maako’s connection to culture, whānau, and lived experience. Her sound is warm, honest, and grounded, carrying the emotion of a daughter’s tribute while reflecting the strength of mothers and the women whose love continues to shape generations.

Beyond music, Maako has built public recognition through pageantry, holding the titles Ms

Aotearoa Ambassador at Miss Five Crowns NZ 2023, Ms World International NZ, and Mrs

Heritage NZ. She also made history as the first Māori woman with a moko kauae to win a pageant title.

“Beauty Kween” was written by Maako, produced by DJ Twitch, released through Sick Wit it Crew, and distributed by Royalty Music Group. The single will be available on all major streaming platforms from Friday the 8 of May 2026 while the Video Clip will be available on Mother’s Day, Sunday the 10 of May 2026.