There’s something special happening in Aotearoa, and her name is Makayla. At just 21, the Hawkes Bay-based singer-songwriter is stepping into the spotlight with the confidence and charm of an artist who knows exactly who she is. Signed to SIX60’s Massive Records, Makayla is quickly becoming the face of a new generation of Māori popstars—one who seamlessly blends cultural pride, raw honesty, and undeniable pop-R&B flair.
After making an impressive debut with “Nature of Love,” co-written alongside SIX60’s Matiu Walters and produced by the acclaimed Matthew Sadgrove, Makayla is now back with her sophomore single, “Be Mine.” Where her first release was an introduction to her emotional depth and melodic warmth, “Be Mine” shows us her edge—a smooth, sultry R&B jam that’s equal parts vibe and vulnerability. What makes this song even more exciting is the story behind it. The track was born during a livestream session with none other than Timbaland. Yes, that Timbaland.
The night before the session, Makayla had asked her fans what she should write about, and the overwhelming response was “a situationship.” It’s the kind of modern love dilemma everyone seems to know too well, and Makayla transforms it into something that feels at once intimate and universal. As the beat flowed and melodies took shape, Timbaland himself tuned in, dropping suggestions and encouragement in real time before heading off to catch a flight. It’s a surreal story—one of those “pinch me” moments that every rising artist dreams of—but Makayla handles it all with her signature down-to-earth energy.
Beyond the music, her growing 170K-strong online community speaks volumes about the kind of artist she’s becoming. She doesn’t just sing to her audience; she talks to them, invites them in, and brings them along for the ride. Whether it’s a candid TikTok, a cultural celebration, or an acoustic cover that gives goosebumps, Makayla’s online world feels like an extension of her artistry—real, unfiltered, and deeply connected to her roots.
“Be Mine” isn’t just another single—it’s a milestone in the making. It captures the thrill of new love tangled with uncertainty, wrapped up in lush production and Makayla’s honeyed vocals. And with co-signs from legends, a label like Massive Records behind her, and a community that grows by the day, it’s clear Makayla is only getting started. She’s not just defining what it means to be a new generation Māori popstar—she’s redefining what it means to be an artist in the digital age: open, collaborative, and entirely herself.
Socials
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makayla.pm/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kayla.pm