Artist Spotlight: Loopy Tunes

Christchurch-based duo Loopy Tunes are redefining children’s music in Aotearoa New Zealand. Specialising in songs that blend Māori, Pacific Island languages, and English, their music is bright, playful, and full of heart, offering preschoolers and young children a joyful, educational soundtrack for play, learning, and cultural connection.

Since their beginnings over fifteen years ago with a weekly preschool outreach programme, the sisters behind Loopy Tunes have grown into a beloved part of early childhood life. Their debut album, Kākāriki: Simply Us (2019), marked the start of a back catalogue approaching 200 songs, many of which feature on their popular YouTube channel, allowing children to join in from the comfort of home.

Movement, storytelling, and audience participation are central to their music, with catchy melodies that encourage singing, dancing, and cultural exploration. Many songs are bilingual in Māori and English, while projects such as Pasifika Beatz also showcase Kiribati, Samoan, Tongan, and other Pacific languages, normalising linguistic diversity in everyday life.

While I’m not deeply familiar with Pacific Island children’s music, I was immediately struck by the tuneful harmonies, lively rhythms, and thoughtful blending of languages on their latest album, Mā: Matariki for Tamariki.

The album brings the magic of the Māori New Year to children, with bright, playful songs that celebrate Matariki and inspire wonder and learning. Though I’m not an expert in the tradition, it’s clearly a joyful, educational introduction for children.

This album beautifully weaves a diversity of language, creating a seamless, bilingual tapestry. The harmonies are lush and tuneful, with vocals that shine front and centre, carrying both emotion and melody. Gentle rock grooves and upbeat, guitar-driven arrangements give the music a lively, accessible energy. Some tracks are fully in one language, while others transition fluidly between languages, highlighting the versatility and rhythm of the vocals. Listening feels immersive and transporting — not to a clichéd “tropical paradise,” but into a space where music, language, and culture intersect with both warmth and vitality.

Standout tracks highlight the album’s playful intent. ‘Urarangi Dance’ offers a joyful freeze dance, ‘Huarākau is Fruit (Tupuarangi)’ introduces Māori fruit names alongside English meanings, and ‘Animals of the Sea (Waiata)’ pairs music with actions that encourage movement and engagement. Gentler moments, such as ‘Feed the Stars (Hautapu Song)’, celebrate nature, rain, and stars with a sense of wonder.

Following a milestone year that included multiple Aotearoa Children’s Music Awards — among them Best Children’s Music Artist — Loopy Tunes continue to prove they are more than entertainers. Through playful, participatory music, they build language pride, celebrate diversity, and make learning joyful.

Loopy Tunes — a bilingual musical adventure for every child.