Aroha Harawira (AROHA) is a cultural force, known for her electrifying performances and eclectic club music rooted in global underground sounds. Her sets bend time and tempo — fusing rhythm, emotion and attitude to create magnetic energy on the dancefloor. Drawing strength from her Māori heritage, AROHA uses music as a tool for storytelling, resistance and connection. Her work is driven by a desire to amplify underrepresented voices and create spaces where culture and sound move freely together. From her early days as a prime-time host on George FM, Programme Director at the iconic 95bFM, music TV host and audio engineering lecturer, AROHA has carved a singular path through electronic music. She later brought her passion for sound and community to global leadership roles at Ableton and Serato — shaping artist and community strategy for music technology on the world stage. Voted New Zealand’s Best Club DJ in 2013, AROHA has supported and shared stages with global icons including Grace Jones, Disclosure, Kaytranada, Ben UFO, Chase & Status, Jazzy Jeff and 2ManyDJs. Her festival appearances include Pitch Music & Arts, Let Them Eat Cake, WOMADelaide, Rhythm & Vines, Gaytimes, Electric Avenue, AUM and Rhythm & Alps. Her 2020 debut EP No More Jenga introduced a bold and distinctive production style, earning support from RÜFÜS DU SOL and Dillinja. Since then, she’s released standout remixes for POOLCLVB, Antix and Kédu Carlö, and original tracks such as Pūrerehua and Escape to Eora Country — the latter spotlighted by CC:DISCO! on her “Track IDs” playlist. 2023 marked a breakout year with a Boiler Room debut, a 16-date tour with The Jungle Giants across Australia and Aotearoa, a 19-show run at the WOW (World of Wearable Art) international design spectacle, and standout appearances at Colour Factory (London) with Lady Shaka and XOYO for Heidi’s Hi-Jacked residency. In 2024, AROHA released her first single with world-renowned MC TALI, These Walls — a commanding electronic pop anthem featuring taonga pūoro (traditional Māori instruments) played by Tiki Taane, backed by tastemakers such as Oliver Dollar and SHOUSE. She followed this with Let Her Rip (Toitū Te Tiriti) — a bold protest track sampling MP Hana-Rāwhiti Maipi-Clarke’s defiant stand in parliament. The song went viral, receiving support from Boiler Room, Radio New Zealand, George FM, and charting across Aotearoa’s student radio network. In early 2025, she appeared at New Zealand’s Gardens Festival alongside 2ManyDJs and Groove Armada — a moment that further cemented her presence as a vital force in the electronic music landscape. Around the same time, she released Mother Tongue — a concept EP inspired by pioneering women in sound: Grace Jones, Debbie Harry and Delia Derbyshire. Channelling their spirit of experimentation and fearlessness, the EP is a raw, personal statement of identity and influence. With more releases ahead, AROHA continues to evolve her sound, honour her roots, and shape music culture — on her own terms.