• country:New Zealand
  • region:Polynesia
  • style(s):Global Fusion
  • label:Tangata
  • artist posted by:Tangata Records

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M o a n a & t h e T R I B E
Harmony, haka & hip-hop

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. With lyrics that reflect the Maori spiritual, cultural and political reality, Moana has three C.D albums, 10 music videos, 10 years of international performances and tours to her credit.


Dubbed the ‘Diva of Maori Music’ during her 30-stop European 2002 Tour, Moana & the Tribe had European audiences spellbound. Tour highlights included the Atomic Club (Munich), Arena Theatre (Bologna), and the Reggae Sunsplash Festival (Austria). Barvarian T.V broadcast the groups performance at the Chiemsee Reggae Festival, in Germany, dubbing Moana ‘Queen of N.Z Reggae.’ A 45 minute special on Moana & the Tribe will go to air in Germany in June 2003. The group also performed on RAI UNO (Italy) to 6 000 000 viewers on eve of the World Cup final, and Stream Television (Italy) to around 2 000 000 viewers.


The Tribe replaces Moana’s previous band, the Moahunters which toured Canada, Australia and performed at festivals in the Cook Islands, Malaysia and New Orleans.


Unplugged, the Tribe is a collective of talented artists with the emphasis on vocal harmonies, haka and moving images. The Tribe includes IHU WAKA, (a kapa haka wing made up of some of N.Zs top traditional performers led by Scottie Morrison), as well as guitarists Cadzow Cossar and Teina Benioni. Emerging taonga puoro player Rangi Rangitukunoa provides a classical touch. Vocalists Amiria Reriti and Trina Morgan support Moana in song, and perform as members of IHU WAKA.. Each song is accompanied by a huge video backdrop of stunning images and archival footage produced by filmmakers Toby Mills and Stuart Page.


Moana & the Tribe is a N.Z group with a strong and proud emphasis on Maori culture and identity. That committment is reflected in the bands lyrics, arrangements, choreography and videos. In a simple but moving accoustic set, international audiences are taken on a journey to Aotearoa-N.Z, understanding that Maori culture is unique, dynamic and evolving.


Moana has released two C.D albums in N.Z. In 2002, she was signed by German based Pirate / SONY Records and released a third C.D ‘Moana & the Tribe.’ It shot to 17 in the European World Charts, and was named ‘C.D of the Week’ in European websites and publications. Simultaneously in N.Z, Moana’s first gold-selling album was re-released by Tangata Records.


In 2003, Moana & the Tribe return to Europe. The band has been invited to present their Prophesies show at the Cultural Olympiad hosted by the Greek government in Athens, July 6-14. In October, they will be supporting the launch of ‘The Merchant of Venice’ in Londons Globe Theatre and are also considering invitations to tour South Africa and Spain.