Empathy for the suffering of others and the power of self-love is the kōrero 18-year-old Crete Riiwhi-Tupe’s has expressed so sensitively in ‘Love Yourself’, the winning entry in the general category of this year’s E Tū Whānau Song Competition.
“So many beautiful people tell themselves that they aren’t good enough. So many beautiful souls are hurting themselves with self-doubt.
“I hope that this song will make everyone look into themselves and actually realise how beautiful they truly are,” she says.
The Whirinaki teenager performs ‘Love Yourself’ with the backing of her famous koro, ‘Herbs’ founding member, Willie Hona. The inspiration behind it, however, came from her own experiences.
“I went through a stage of being down on myself and realised that if I feel like that at times, others must feel this way too.”
Crete performs locally with her koro’s band Vibration, gaining exposure and confidence, and plans to spend the $5000 she received as the winner of the E Tū Whānau Song Competition on new band gear.
Crete finished school at the end of 2019 and describes her future as “open ended”.
“I just want to make music. I want to sing.”
But there are some things she’s sure about.
“I really love life and I truly believe that we’re all perfect as we are and that we all have a purpose. If you have the right mindset, and are grateful for what you have, life is beautiful.”
Inspiring positive change
This is the fourth year we have held the E Tū Whānau song competition. It is based on the idea that no matter how big or small, we can all make a difference and be responsible for creating positive change within our whānau, hapū, iwi and community.
Entrants are invited to write an original song inspiring positive change, and incorporating one or more of E Tū Whānau’s values; Aroha, Whanaungatanga, Whakapapa, Mana/Manaaki, Kōrero Awhi, and Tikanga. You can read more about the E Tū Whānau kaupapa here.
