Stan Walker made an emotional tribute at the 2024 Aotearoa Music Awards to his late father who had died two days prior. Taiaho Ross Walker, who was involved in coaching, training and recruiting for rugby league clubs in Melbourne, had been battling cancer. Walker was awarded one of two inaugural Te Manu Mātārae Tūī awards on Thursday night.
The new award spotlights artists who have made a considerable impact on New Zealand music. Walker was recognised for the cultural impact of his single I AM , which featured in Ava DuVernay film’s Origin , and “his deep commitment to te reo Māori and te ao Māori” said host Jesse Mulligan. The Te Manu Mātārae Tūī was presented by Tāme Iti, with Walker, seated in the audience, visibly emotional during Iti’s speech.
Coming up to collect his Tui, Walker admitted he was shocked. “I’m a little bit flabbergasted.” “I know that my dad was the biggest cloud chaser.
His name on Tik Tok was ‘Stan Walker’s Dad’. I want to dedicate this award to my papa. “I’m just so thankful to be here because we’re here for our kaupapa, to bring hope, life, healing and joy to people regardless of what’s happening in our lives.
” “We can be amazing because of who we come from. “This is for my kids, this is for my wife, this is for my dad, this is for Aotearoa, this is for our whanau.” AMA co-host Kara Rickard told the audience Taiaho Walker died this week.
“I don’t know if everybody knows but his dad actual.