Music

After years as a backing artist, HOPE steps into her own with Hina

Sometimes the greatest talent can be found behind the scenes. For years, HOPE supported across various projects - lending her voice as a backing artist. In 2025 she started spreading her wings as an artist in her own right. And today, her latest single dropped, further cementing her as one to watch.

The latest track, Hina embodies that smooth soul RnB sound that is enriching and cup filling. Melodically the vocal hook is addicting and a litte seductive. I found myself coming back for repeat listens from the get go. Written under a Pukehina moonrise alongside Jordyn Rapana and Edward Liu, the production is tight and layered with intricate musical textures.

She is also keeping good company. Hope is one third of the collective 4 The Masses. Built around a greater purpose to take te reo Māori music global, the other members MOHI and Jordyn With A Why are highly reputable artists in their own right.

Hina adds another piece to a growing catalogue that shows us what HOPE is capable of when the spotlight is hers. After years spent behind the scenes, she is making her own voice heard.

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Niki Kennedy finds her own way home with new album The Space In between

Jenny Mitchell has spent a decade turning stories into country songs

Jason Parker on choosing freedom and what it really means to be a man

Monolith Pleasure Cult defies conventional genre norms on the ambitious Mountain EP