It's a broad term encompassing a wide variety of musical genres, including:
* Traditional Māori songs: These are songs with deep cultural and historical significance.
* Contemporary Māori songs: These incorporate modern musical influences and express a range of themes.
* Singing in general: While it's often used specifically for Māori music, "waiata" can also refer to singing in general.
The word "waiata" is commonly used in everyday conversation and is an essential part of Māori culture.