New Zealand music icon, Moana Maniapoto prepares to unveil the beautiful new work entitled ‘Wha’. In the six years since their last album Moana & The Tribe have been capturing the hearts and minds of international audiences and critics with their breathtaking live performances.
“Sometimes when we’re singing, we get emotional and then we see people in our audience in tears. To connect with a stranger in that way is almost a spiritual experience and I guess that’s one part of music making that I’m addicted to.” - Moana Maniapoto
The exquisite new album is an extensive collage of contemporary dub, reverential odes to heroes lost, emotive reminders about our past, and sensual love songs. The sounds range from electronic programming through to flugel horn to Taonga Puoro (traditional Maori instruments) and include historical recordings such as that of the 28th Maori Battalion.
It is their first entirely Maori language album and their first foray into collaborations with the classical world including composer Victoria Kelly (Strawpeople, Anika Moa, Greg Johnson) and members of the New Zealand Trio (one of New Zealand’s most acclaimed professional chamber groups).
This blend amplifies the warmth and passion of this accomplished, incredible woman that has connected her with audiences around the world.
Formed in 2002, Moana & The Tribe have played nearly 150 international concerts, most recently from Kanak villages in the islands of New Caledonia to sell out concerts in Vladivostok, Russia. Some of their live highlights include playing on the ancient field of Olympia (Greece), on the spiritual idyll that is Rekohu (Chatham Islands) Tollwood Festival (Germany), Etnosur Festival (Spain) and at the Gnesins Music Academy (Moscow).
"A must-see, so much to listen to and see. Astonishing, I was blown away…." - Daily News Forum, Vladivostok ( Russia), 2007
Moana & The Tribe’s Auckland album launch showcase will feature new Tribe members Ryan Monga (percussion), Richard James Murray (bass), Ashley Brown (cello) and Mahuia Bridgman-Cooper (violin). Core Tribe members Cadzow Cossar (guitar), Amiria Reriti and Trina Maniapoto will also perform alongside Moana .
Following the album release and shows at home, Moana & The Tribe tour to Bonn, Germany to represent the Pacific before a 5000 strong audience at a concert for the United Nations. The band will perform alongside artists such as Bob Geldof (UK), Hugh Masekela (Africa), Daniela Mercury (South America) and Gocoo (Japan). After which they will head off on their 7th European tour.
"The audience was mesmerized by… the stunning harmonies of Moana’s sister Trina Maniapoto and Amiria Reriti blended seamlessly …The audience were privy to Moana the captivating storyteller, peace advocate, rebel supporter and consummate performer" - Bay of Plenty Times, Tauranga, October 2007
New Zealand music icon, Moana Maniapoto prepares to unveil the beautiful new work entitled ‘Wha’. In the six years since their last album Moana & The Tribe have been capturing the hearts and minds of international audiences and critics with their breathtaking live performances.
“Sometimes when we’re singing, we get emotional and then we see people in our audience in tears. To connect with a stranger in that way is almost a spiritual experience and I guess that’s one part of music making that I’m addicted to.” - Moana Maniapoto
The exquisite new album is an extensive collage of contemporary dub, reverential odes to heroes lost, emotive reminders about our past, and sensual love songs. The sounds range from electronic programming through to flugel horn to Taonga Puoro (traditional Maori instruments) and include historical recordings such as that of the 28th Maori Battalion.
It is their first entirely Maori language album and their first foray into collaborations with the classical world including composer Victoria Kelly (Strawpeople, Anika Moa, Greg Johnson) and members of the New Zealand Trio (one of New Zealand’s most acclaimed professional chamber groups).
This blend amplifies the warmth and passion of this accomplished, incredible woman that has connected her with audiences around the world.
Formed in 2002, Moana & The Tribe have played nearly 150 international concerts, most recently from Kanak villages in the islands of New Caledonia to sell out concerts in Vladivostok, Russia. Some of their live highlights include playing on the ancient field of Olympia (Greece), on the spiritual idyll that is Rekohu (Chatham Islands) Tollwood Festival (Germany), Etnosur Festival (Spain) and at the Gnesins Music Academy (Moscow).
"A must-see, so much to listen to and see. Astonishing, I was blown away…." - Daily News Forum, Vladivostok ( Russia), 2007
Moana & The Tribe’s Auckland album launch showcase will feature new Tribe members Ryan Monga (percussion), Richard James Murray (bass), Ashley Brown (cello) and Mahuia Bridgman-Cooper (violin). Core Tribe members Cadzow Cossar (guitar), Amiria Reriti and Trina Maniapoto will also perform alongside Moana .
Following the album release and shows at home, Moana & The Tribe tour to Bonn, Germany to represent the Pacific before a 5000 strong audience at a concert for the United Nations. The band will perform alongside artists such as Bob Geldof (UK), Hugh Masekela (Africa), Daniela Mercury (South America) and Gocoo (Japan). After which they will head off on their 7th European tour.
"The audience was mesmerized by… the stunning harmonies of Moana’s sister Trina Maniapoto and Amiria Reriti blended seamlessly …The audience were privy to Moana the captivating storyteller, peace advocate, rebel supporter and consummate performer" - Bay of Plenty Times, Tauranga, October 2007