Marlon Williams Wins Silver Scroll Award with Local Support

Marlon Williams claimed the prestigious Silver Scroll Award for the top New Zealand song of 2025 during a vibrant ceremony held at the Isaac Theatre Royal in Christchurch. The award-winning song, Aua Atu Rā, was co-written with Lyttelton rapper Kommi, marking a powerful collaboration that reflects the rich musical heritage of New Zealand.

The event, which took place on Wednesday night, was particularly significant as it was the first time the Silver Scrolls were hosted in Christchurch since the devastating Canterbury earthquakes. Local nominees, including Dillistrate, Fazerdaze, and There’s a Tuesday, were present, showcasing the strong artistic community in the region.

Reflecting on his nomination, Williams expressed the importance of the Silver Scrolls, stating, “Silver Scrolls are big in terms of awards… this is a peer-nominated award so it’s my people.” He recalled attending his first ceremony in 2009 when he was just 18 years old, with memories of Lawrence Arabia winning for his track Apple Pie Bed. “The city’s changed a lot since 2009… It’s a real marker of time for it to now come full circle, come back to Christchurch,” he added.

The song Aua Atu Rā draws inspiration from 1960s Māori showbands and serves as the lead track on Williams’ acclaimed fourth studio album, Te Whare Tīwekaweka. This album dominated the Aotearoa Official Top 40 Album Chart, securing the number one position for an impressive 14 weeks.

With this latest recognition, Williams becomes the ninth songwriter to win the Silver Scroll Award multiple times, joining notable artists like Ray Columbus and Lorde. His first win came in 2018 for the poignant track Nobody Gets What They Want Anymore.

The ceremony featured performances from the top five finalists, including a rendition of Aua Atu Rā by sister duo The Mitchell Twins. Musical director and local artist Delaney Davidson curated the evening’s entertainment, which celebrated both established artists and emerging talents.

In a further highlight for Christchurch, the Maioha Award was presented to local duo Dillistrate for their uplifting track Kei Whati Te Marama. This peer-voted award recognizes songs that celebrate Māori culture, and Dillistrate’s Tim Driver expressed their gratitude, stating, “You work your absolute *** off for as long as you can remember, it’s an incredible feeling.”

Another significant award went to Ihlara McIndoe, who won the SOUNZ Contemporary Award for her composition Of Coral and Foam. McIndoe, now based in New York, accepted the award via video message, showcasing the international reach of New Zealand’s musical talent.

The event also saw the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame induct the renowned alt-country band The Warratahs, honoured for their lasting influence on the Kiwi music scene. In tribute, local songwriter Adam Hattaway performed their classic song Keep On.

The evening concluded with a poignant tribute to members of the music community who have passed away over the last year, featuring performances by Kommi, his regular bandmate Tae Renee, and Delaney Davidson. The finale showcased Williams alongside Davidson performing the beloved song Blackbird by Fat Freddy’s Drop, leaving attendees with a sense of unity and celebration of New Zealand’s vibrant music culture.