A cross-cultural music project is bringing together artists from Aotearoa New Zealand and Wales to spotlight Indigenous and minority languages on an international stage.

Three Māori artists - MOHI, Jordyn with a Why, and MĀ - will perform at FOCUS Wales in Wrexham from 8-10 May as part of Prosiect Pūtahitanga, a collaboration between Cardiff University and music communities in Aotearoa and Cymru (Wales).

MOHI shared his excitement about the upcoming performances.

"Fizzing to be part of the Aotearoa contingent heading over to represent with the steeziest creatives in the game, we gooo," he said via Instagram.

The project explores how music in te reo Māori and Cymraeg can support cultural expression, belonging, and identity, and builds on prior exchanges between Māori and Welsh artists.

Each artist will deliver two live sets during the festival, joined by band members, and take part in a panel hosted by Cardiff University on music and language.

The initiative is supported by Cardiff University, the British Council, Creative New Zealand, APRA AMCOS, Wales Arts International and FOCUS Wales.

British Council Wales Director Ruth Cocks said the project creates vital opportunities for global collaboration.

"Events like FOCUS Wales break down borders - geographical and cultural - allowing artists to connect, collaborate, and inspire one another," she said.

"We're honoured to welcome these remarkable musicians to Wrexham and proud to support the connections they'll make, not just between Wales and Aotearoa New Zealand, but across the global creative community."

FOCUS Wales co-founder Andy Jones said the festival aims to foster cultural exchange.

"Hosting these talented Māori artists at our festival is at the heart of what FOCUS Wales stands for - creating meaningful connections across borders through music," he said.

"The Welsh and Māori languages have had similar journeys, and it will be great to see a celebration of this heritage and connection."

Dr Elen Ifan from Cardiff University's School of Welsh said the project aims to strengthen understanding of Indigenous language use through music.

"Prosiect Pūtahitanga is proud to be part of this collaboration and to host discussions that will deepen our understanding of language use in these contemporary contexts."

A networking reception on 10 May will further support relationship-building between participating artists and organisations.