Sixteen-year-old Ōtaki singer Tui-Eilish Tahere-Katene has signed a recording contract, with her first single due to be released soon.

Under the name of Miss Tui Soul, the talented young soul singer is about to release Hear Me, her first digital single and video. It will be released by Auckland-based Legacy Foundation, the digital creative music and entertainment company with whom she recently signed the contract.

Legacy told Ōtaki Today Tui’s voice was “truly natural, pure, and very soulful”.

“She can easily sing different genres such as R&B, pop and soul.”

Tui says one of her biggest influences as a singer and performer are the Motown artists and hit makers.

She has been involved in music and performance in Ōtaki from a young age, with huge support from family, friends and many local people.

She and then singing partner James Stent impressed the crowd at the 2019 Ōtaki Kite Festival when they were only 12. They have also performed on Māori Television’s talent show 5 Minutes of Fame.

Graham Rikihana, the entertainment co-ordinator for the 2019 kite festival, said at the time they had a great future.

“I thought it would be good for them to experience what it was like to sing in front of a big crowd. They’re both talented and they didn’t disappoint the thousands of people who heard them sing.”

Having worked with international performers and teaching music for many years, Graham says he’s thrilled that Tui has gone on to bigger things.

Legacy said that with more than 30 years of experience in the music industry and the education sector, it was “very proud” to have Tui as one of its artists.

 “We believe she has the voice, drive and dedication to be committed, to work hard and go far.”

Executive music producer and label owner Richie Campbell said: “We believe she has a great foundation that will kick start a fantastic career as a recording artist.”

Richie is no stranger to what it takes to be a successful artist and music producer. He became a professional drummer at the age of 15, and was a founding member and original drummer for the Kiwi band Ardijah.

He went on to collaborate and support many international recording artists such as U2, Mick Jagger, Neville Brothers and Bobby Brown. His last gig was in New Zealand with The Commodores bassist Ron La Pread.

He is also one of the few producers who has had a first release “go gold,” with Black Pearl by Moana & The Moahunters.

Legacy plans to develop Tui’s natural musical talent, focusing on performing with top New Zealand and international artists within the country and overseas.

It plans to release Hear Me, along with an NFT (non fungible token) drop in the coming months.