Mareko

Mareko, born Mareko Mata'u, is a veteran New Zealand rapper and hip-hop artist of Samoan descent who’s been a key figure in Aotearoa’s music scene since the early 2000s. Known for his sharp lyricism and gritty verses, he first gained prominence as part of the group Frontline and through his solo work under Dawn Raid Entertainment, the iconic South Auckland label that helped shape NZ hip-hop. His 2005 debut solo album *White Sunday* became a cult classic, blending streetwise storytelling with themes of cultural pride and social commentary.

In recent years, Mareko has stayed active with a steady flow of releases, including tracks like *Pride Rock*, *How You Doing?*, and *King*, which showcase his evolved sound while staying rooted in hip-hop’s core elements. Collaborations, such as the Tiki Taane-remixed *TOP 5 NZ*, highlight his connections to the wider Kiwi music whānau (family). Whether dropping remastered editions like *Untitled: Act I* or fresh cuts like *Emerge*, Mareko remains a respected voice bridging generations of Pacific hip-hop in Aotearoa.

Genres

Nz Reggae

Latest Release

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Mareko•

Stanley T

Single - Released December 15, 2023