Lady Shaka releases debut single, ‘E Tu’, signs to NLV Records: Listen

Lady Shaka has released her debut single, ‘E Tu’ via Nina Las Vegas' NLV Records.

Described as a "fierce rallying cry of protest" the track is inspired by the DJ and interdisciplinary artist’s Afro Pasifika heritage.

Speaking about the track in a statement, Lady Shaka said: “The opening lyrics 'me nekeneke tāua, e tū' meaning 'let's move together and stand up” in Te Reo Māori is a great representation of our current political climate in Aotearoa (New Zealand)."

She continued: “With the deprioritising of our language in public spaces, the attempted removal of Māori public services and most importantly the current threat to Māori rights with the attempted removal of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, this song is a call to action for not just Tangata Whenua (people of the land) but also Tangata Tiriti (Non-Māori) to unite together, kia tu kotahi (to stand as one)."

Nina Las Vegas, who has now signed Lady Shaka to her label, added: "I started NLV Records to showcase diverse and exciting talent. I love working with creative risk-takers, who know what they want, while caring about the community they are part of, ultimately highlighting their culture to the world. Lady Shaka is one of the best. Her sets are joyful, just like her day-to-day energy. I’m so honoured to be releasing her debut music on NLV Records. Her trust in me means the world, especially with ‘E Tu’, a driving club song deeply rooted in her Indigenous heritage and musical upbringing. Let’s get it!"

Check out the track via Bandcamp below.

Lady Shaka was one of the first Pacific Island DJs to feature on Boiler Room in 2021 and is a founding force behind London's first club night celebrating Pacific Island culture, Pulotu Underworld, which launched in 2019. She was also a resident DJ at East London's Colour Factory in 2023.

Revisit Lady Shaka's 2022 Recognise interview and mix for DJ Mag here, and Nina Las Vegas' 2020 On Cue mix and interview here.