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Reiki Ruawai is a bona fide talent making waves in New Zealand’s eclectic music scene. Hailing from the tranquil, natural beauty of Raglan, his journey as an artist has seen him transition to the vibrant urban atmosphere of Mt Eden, Auckland, where his sound has truly evolved. 

With a unique blend of indie/pop, R&B, and dance-infused soul, Reiki’s music is a captivating mix of laid-back vibes and rhythmic energy. His ability to weave deep emotion into every track, while maintaining a strong connection to his roots, makes his sound distinct and fresh. Whether he's exploring the introspective depths of soul or the high-energy spirit of dance, Reiki Ruawai’s music reflects both the peaceful nature of his beginnings and the dynamic pulse of city life. As an emerging artist, he’s quickly carving out a place for himself as one to watch in the global music landscape.

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Ones To Watch: Introduce yourself. Tell us who you are and how you came to music.

Reiki: My name is Reiki Ruawai. I’m a musician from Raglan, and I’ve been making music for the past four or five years. And here I am now!

When did you realise you wanted to pursue music?

I decided I wanted to pursue music when I was in university in 2018. I went down to Wellington for one year, and after that, I made the decision to go for it. That was the moment I thought, “I want to do music full-time and give it a real shot.”

Did growing up around music have an impact on you wanting to pursue it?

Definitely. Growing up, there were always instruments around the house. My first instrument was the guitar, and my dad was a guitarist too. Having access to all those instruments and being able to pick them up and jam was definitely a big influence on me getting into music.

How would you describe your music?

I’d describe my music as a mixed bag. It really reflects what I’m into at the time, but it’s definitely centred around soul, R&B vibes. I also like to experiment with different genres to have fun and see where things go.

Do you feel there’s a difference in the music you create now compared to when you first started?

Yeah, definitely. Since around 2018/2019, the music I’ve been making has evolved into something more positive and refined. I feel like I’m much more in tune with what I want to do now compared to a few years ago. It’s been amazing to see the progress.

Do you feel you've made better music in your hometown or after collaborating with others?  

I’ve definitely made different styles in different places. In Raglan, it was more band-based and acoustic, but in Auckland, working with producers and being in sessions has taken those songs to a new level. It’s not necessarily that the music is “better,” but it’s a different side of my songwriting process.

What does your songwriting process look like? Do you start with your band, or is it more of a solo journey?

My songwriting process usually starts with me and an acoustic guitar. It’s my safe space. I’ll just pick up the guitar, play random chords, and come up with melodies. From there, I build the concept and lyrics, and then I’ll bring it to the band or a producer to elevate it.

What have been your career highlights so far?

A clear highlight was playing a support gig with my band, Messiah, at the Kuranda Reggae Festival in Cairns. It was an indigenous-based festival, and it felt really special to be surrounded by so much cultural respect. The venue was an amphitheater surrounded by tropical trees, and it was visually and musically powerful.

What are your goals for the near future?  

Right now, my biggest goal is to release an album. I’ve been working with my bandmates on concepts and ideas for it. Another goal is to play more shows in Australia. I’ve been there a couple of times, but I want to really establish myself there. Those are my main goals for the next six months.

Do you have any advice for other artists wanting to make music?  

The best advice I can give—though I don’t take it myself as often—is to video yourself while writing. We live in an age where media is everything, and capturing your process is a great way to connect with others. Also, just be yourself. The more real you are, the more people will gravitate towards your music.