Marlon Williams Wins 2025 Silver Scrolls in Hometown Celebration

Marlon Williams has claimed the prestigious Silver Scroll Award for the top New Zealand song of 2025, celebrated in front of a hometown crowd in Christchurch. The award, which recognizes outstanding songwriting, was presented for the powerful lament Aua Atu Rā, co-written with Lyttelton rapper Kommi. The announcement took place at the historic Isaac Theatre Royal on March 15, 2025.

This year’s ceremony marked the first time the Silver Scrolls returned to Christchurch since the devastating Canterbury earthquakes, drawing a diverse audience of nominees and music enthusiasts. Williams, who previously won the award in 2018 for his poignant track Nobody Gets What They Want Anymore, reflected on the significance of the event. “Silver Scrolls are big in terms of awards… this is a peer-nominated award so it’s my people,” he remarked ahead of the ceremony.

The song Aua Atu Rā is featured on Williams’ fourth studio album, Te Whare Tīwekaweka, which achieved impressive success by topping the Aotearoa Official Top 40 Album Chart for 14 weeks. The musical style draws inspiration from 1960s Māori showbands, showcasing Williams’ commitment to blending traditional influences with contemporary sounds.

Celebrating Local Talent and Community

The ceremony saw attendance from several nominees, including local acts Dillistrate, Fazerdaze, and There’s a Tuesday. Nat Hutton from There’s a Tuesday expressed excitement about the recognition, stating that their nominated song Margo reflects her experiences growing up queer in high school. “It feels like a bit of a dream to be standing beside them,” she shared.

Fazerdaze also conveyed her honor in being nominated alongside other talented artists, calling it “so special” to have her song included. The evening was hosted by television and radio personality Stacey Morrison and singer-songwriter Jed Parsons. As part of the traditional performances, Aua Atu Rā was beautifully interpreted by folk/country duo The Mitchell Twins, while musical director Delaney Davidson curated the night’s impressive lineup.

In addition to the Silver Scroll Award, the Maioha Award was presented to Christchurch duo Dillistrate for their uplifting track Kei Whati Te Marama. The award is recognized as a peer-voted accolade and was received by Henare Kaa and Tim Driver, who expressed their gratitude for the recognition of their work.

A Night of Honors and Celebrations

The event also honored notable contributions to New Zealand music with the SOUNZ Contemporary Award, awarded to Ihlara McIndoe for her composition Of Coral and Foam. McIndoe, now based in New York, accepted the award via video message, while the Heather Webb Ensemble provided a live interpretation of her work.

In another highlight, Mahui Bridgman-Cooper received accolades for Best Original Music in a Series for the NZ/Irish co-production The Gone Season 2, while Arli Liberman and Tiki Taane were recognized for their work in the feature film Ka Whawhai Tonu – Struggle Without End.

The evening culminated with a special induction of the renowned alt-country band The Warratahs into the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame. Known for their lasting impact on the New Zealand songwriting community, their influence on the country music genre was celebrated through a tribute performance by local alt/rock songwriter Adam Hattaway.

The ceremony also took a moment to honor musicians who have passed away in the past year, with Kommi, his frequent collaborator Tae Renee, and Davidson taking to the stage for a moving tribute.

Marlon Williams’ achievement at the Silver Scrolls not only highlights his talent but also the vibrant music scene in Christchurch, marking a significant moment for the city as it continues to rebuild and celebrate its cultural heritage.