
So&So (Te Whakatōhea, Ngā Puhi, Ngāi Tūhoe) is a Wellington-based indigenous hip-hop artist known for dynamic storytelling, genre-bending production, and authentic representation. A key figure in the city’s music scene since 2019, they have performed at major festivals including Tora Bombora, Twisted Frequency, Newtown Festival, and Cuba Dupa. Beyond being a powerful lyricist and performer, So&So is also a band manager, event curator, producer, and independent recording artist. From 2019 to 2024, So&So fronted and managed Gallery, selling out the 2021 San Fran Wellington headline show. Seeking new creative horizons and a fresh collaborative approach, So&So then formed BigMacSlabs, a project that allowed for more experimentation with production and live performance. After BigMacSlabs made a brief but memorable mark on the local scene from late 2023 to mid 2024, So&So decided to pursue a solo career to further develop their unique voice and artistic vision. Recent highlights include supporting Dirty Dike (UK) on the Golden Lobster tour in 2025 and releasing the debut EP "Not Quite Myself," a raw, honest project exploring identity and resilience. The EP was met with strong support from local audiences and earned critical praise for its vulnerability and distinct voice in Aotearoa's hip-hop scene, earning him slots at multiple local festivals including Twisted Frequency, Backyard Bass, CubdaDupa & Newtown Festival. So&So is currently preparing to release the sophomore EP, "E Tu." Set for release in September 2026, “E Tu” is a powerful statement of Māori Hip Hop, created to uplift indigenous voices globally. Featuring collaborations with artists like Hone, Vallé, and Emma Dilemma, the EP blends jazzy textures, boom-bap rhythms, and eclectic production. So&So writes, produces, and engineers every track, embodying full creative independence. Drawing inspiration from artists like Roots Manuva, Kendrick Lamar, Glenn Miller, and J Dilla, So&So crafts music that pushes beyond the boundaries of conventional hip-hop. Lyrically, So&So explores themes of indigenous identity, cultural reclamation, mental health, and the intricacies of modern urban life. Storytelling is woven through the songs, often reflecting on whakapapa, belonging, and the tension between personal growth and societal expectations. The upcoming "E Tu" EP, in particular, delves into resilience, community upliftment, and the affirmation of Māori voices in a changing world. So&So’s sound is for everyone—music that invites all listeners to connect and reflect: "We are all just another So&So."