Moana

MOANA

Moana has been described as the ‘Diva of Maori Music' (Marina Sciascia, NZ International Festival of Arts)

As a performing and recording artist, Moana has consistently pushed the boundaries of Maori music with her unique blend of traditional Maori musical elements and contemporary western grooves.

In the 1990s, "Moana & the Moahunters" stamped their mark across the Aotearoa-New Zealand music scene, releasing 2 CDs and taking their music to the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (USA), Cultural Olympiad and Womadelaide (Australia). With a gold album and chart-topping single under her belt, Moana retired her band after headlining at the prestigious Vancouver Folk Festival (1998).

In 2002, she formed "Moana and the Tribe", and took her music to Europe on the back of the CD "Toru" (Pirate / Sony Records) which entered the European World Charts at 17. Since then, the group has played over 100 concerts alongside artists such as Patrice, Seeed and Youssou N'Dour. In 2003, Moana & the Tribe launched the NZ feature film "The Whale Rider" into Germany. They were also the first band from Aotearoa to release a Music DVD into Germany , "Live & Proud".

Through their recordings and live performances, the band has quickly cemented its reputation as one of the most successful indigenous groups to emerge from Aotearoa.

In 2004, Moana became the first non-American to win a major USA based songwriting contest with her song "Moko", beating over 11,000 composers to win the Grand Jury Prize of the International Songwriting competition.

Offstage, Moana is one half of an award-winning documentary team with partner Toby Mills, operating as "Tawera and Black Pearl Productions". She is a former television presenter, actor, radio talkback host, law graduate and advocate. She is also Trustee of the Black Pearl National Trust, a volunteer group which works to empower and motivate Maori women.

In 2004, Moana was recognised by her country for her services to both Maori and Music, receiving the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM).

She was made a Lifetime Honorary Recipient of the Toi Iho-Maori Made Mark, denoting work of high quality and authenticity. And in 2005, was awarded Te Tohu Mahi Hou a Te Waka Toi, in recognition of outstanding leadership and contribution to the development of new directions in Maori art.

Moana's lyrics reflect the Maori spiritual, cultural and political reality. Yet they contain universal values.

My mountain greets your mountain,

my river greets your river,

my tribe greets your tribe.

MUSIC

Use the link below to check out Moana's music.

Moana (click on "Listen on mp3 Audio clips" on the right below banner photo to hear the music)

CONTACT

Moana Maniapoto

PO Box 78074

Grey Lynn

Auckland

New Zealand

email: moana@moananz.com