Maori singer-songwriter, Maisey Rika, is amazed her album, Whitiora, has been nominated for two completely different Maori Music Awards: Best Maori traditional album and Best Maori pop album.
Rika is a finalist in six of the nine categories for this year's awards being held in Hawke's Bay on 13 September.
Other finalists include: Ariana Tikao, Toni Huata, Awanui Reeder and Sons of Zion.
Rika said it's interesting her album, Whitiora, is being considered for the traditional Maori album, a category she thinks is reserved for such waiata like Moteatea or traditional Maori chants.
Rika says her use of the Maori language could be why it's in the category.
The Ngati Awa, Te Whanau a Apanui, Ngai Tuhoe and Te Arawa songstress said she has a way to go in writing in te reo Maori, which is the reason why she asked members of her whanau for help with the lyrics.
She said she had help from her uncles Erueti Korewha and Te Kaihautu Maxwell as well as her friend Ruia Aperehama, because she wanted the album to have a high standard of te reo.
Rika said when they write, the lyrics are metaphorical and beautiful.
She said her album's nomination in the pop category is possibly because of the blend of instruments and beats, as well as the use of rap.
