Aro - Tāwauwau Beyond Perception

Blending contemporary folk, soul and jazz, Charles and Emily Looker’s latest album explores the space between the world we know and the world we sense is possible. Through rich harmonies, heartfelt storytelling and an evocative blend of musical influences, Tāwauwau is an invitation to look beyond the familiar and reconnect with a sense of wonder.

Aro are a Tiriti-based duo made up of Charles Looker (Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa, Ngāti Te Ata Waiohua, Ngāti Mutunga) and Emily Looker. Their bilingual waiata weave together te reo Māori, contemporary soul, folk and R&B, drawing inspiration from whānau, whenua and te ao Māori.

Since forming in 2017, Aro have toured extensively across Aotearoa and released five studio projects, building a distinctive place in the contemporary music landscape.

Their album He Rākau, He Ngārara won Best Pop Album at the 2024 Waiata Māori Music Awards, while their latest album, Tāwauwau (2026), explores themes of fantasy, faith, beauty and longing. Its first single, Puna Ora, received the Maioha Award at the 2026 APRA Silver Scroll Awards.

Aro bring the world of Tāwauwau to audiences across Aotearoa, offering an intimate and immersive live experience that celebrates the possibilities of music, language and imagination.