Moana and the Tribe

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Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Video from the Netherlands - The Hague - Venice and Cairns Press




From the Netherlands, we flew to beautiful Venice where we jumped on water taxis and headed off into this magical and ancient settlement ... We were there to support the two NZ artists featured at this years Venice Bienale and what an honour - also, to perform alongside Waka Huia - wonderful group.


Watch as Te Waka Huia file through the streets of Venice towards Piazzo St Marco:

http://blog.nzatvenice.com/2009/06/take-a-virtual-tour-with-waka-huia-through-the-streets-of-venice.html


NZ Venice Biennale venue


La Maddalena

New Zealand artists exhibiting at the 53rd Venice Biennale, have secured a new venue at La Maddalena church. Located on the Strada Nova, one of Venice’s main shopping throughfares, it is parallel to the Grand Canal between the railway station and the Rialto. La Maddalena is a rare example of 18th century architecture in Venice with the symbol of the Knights Templar above the main door of the church.

Established in 1895, the Venice Biennale is the world's oldest international forum for contemporary visual art, and attracts thousands of the world's most influential artists, curators, critics, gallery directors and collectors.

Moana Maniapoto Moana and the tribe

Music is a power

Rob Mellett -- Thursday, June 4, 2009, The Cairns Post

Maori musician and activist Moana Maniapoto, of Moana and the Tribe, tells Rob Mellett about what makes her tick

TACKLING the big themes – war, love and freedom – are the sources from which Moana Maniapoto’s finds her inspiration, providing a vivid backdrop to her vibrant
cultural consciousness.

The Maori vocalist and lyricist of Moana and the Tribe is speaking to timeOUT on her return from a protest down Auckland’s Queen St, demonstrating against what Maori perceive as their marginalisation by the New Zealand government. "It was an excellent day. Seven thousand people marching in wet and ugly weather. It shows what can be done," she says.

"Maori have always been vocal. But we are connecting with each other more now, to challenge the authorities which aren’t representing us." Moana (pronounced Mo-anna) has taken action wherever she perceives injustice, from the World Trade Organisation protests in Hong Kong, to the International March for Peace and Non-Violence recently held in New Zealand.

Consistently expanding the horizons of Maori music with her recordings and stunning performances, Moana and the Tribe are seen as the catalyst behind the recent international exposure of acts such as Te Vaka, Fat Freddy’s Drop and Wai.

Her musical journey as a professional seeking to forge a career from music began with first band Moana and the Moahunters, which played the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and the Vancouver Folk Festival. Their remake of the classic Black Pearl scored them a gold single in NZ.

That group reshaped into the Tribe in 2002, fusing traditional Maori styles such as taonga puoro and haka and combining them with reggae, soul and RnB. The Tribe are now sought-after around the world.

They have been profiled on German and Italian TV, launched the NZ film Whale Rider in Germany and supported superstar Youssou N’Dour. Racking up more than 200 gigs internationally, the band have played to Kanak tribal villages in New Calendonia, as well as doing sell-out gigs in Russia.

Moana says: "We got invited to a private party in Russia, overlooking the Kremlin. It was just so surreal. Then we were asked to play the Musical Academy in Vladivostok. "It was an eye-opener to meet such lovely, lovely people. That’s what touring teaches you; that we are all the same."But Moana says singing for a visiting Nelson Mandela in Auckland was one of the highlights of her life.

Now, with the release of the fourth album, Wha, Moana says she is excited to be tapping into new depths."There are lots of different themes on Wha. We pay tribute to Maori soldiers who fought and died in Italy. The CD also features two archival pieces, made in the Western Desert by B Company of the 28th Maori Battalion.

"There were lots of special moments while recording it with Mahuia Bridgman-Cooper. What I like about Wha is that every song can be performed live."Moana was inspired several years ago to hark back to her Maori roots after visiting the US and watching an Afro-American gospel band.

"That’s when I decided there would be no more trying to sound like Beyonce. I love soul and reggae and saw Bob Marley when he played New Zealand in 1979. But I had to go back to the roots of my traditional music," she says.And by incorporating traditional Maori instruments like the roria – a finely whittled piece of bone – and the putatara – a conch shell with carved mouthpiece – Moana and the Tribe bring a spiritual element into their live shows.

Moana adds: "We are really looking forward to our Tanks show. It is our first time to Far North Queensland and we promise an unforgettable performance."


Moana and the Tribe -- Tanks Arts Centre, Friday, June 5



MoantribeMoana and the Tribe
Having seen their showcase at the inaugural Australasian World Music Expo in Melbourne late last year, one can specially commend the Kiwi act Moana & The Tribe, who play the Tanks on Friday June 5th en-route to The Dreaming festival at Woodford. Moana Maniapoto and her troupe deftly fuse Maori taonga puoro (traditional instrumentation), haka and chants with RnB, soul, reggae and even classical elements. Visually striking, they will find the gothic atmosphere of the Tanks perfect.

Moana & The Tribe is not the only top-drawer Kiwi act playing the Tanks in June. Salmonella Dub is locked in for a concert on Saturday the 27th . They are Aotearoa's, and indeed the southern hemisphere’s, leading exponents of dub, the reggae dance music pioneered in Jamaica by production whizzes like Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry and King Tubby. They have also delved into Maori culture Sal Dub’s most recent album, Feel The Seasons Change, marries a selection of songs from their back catalogue with ambient soundscapes, ancient Maori instruments and the majesty of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.


Moana and the tribe Moana and the Tribe
In the landscape of New Zealand music, one genre stands out as a solid cornerstone – music by Maori artists.
Powerfully diverse, traditional music sun in Maori tongue has found a niche on mainstream radio and launched a depth of appeal to the commercial realm that was unexpected.
This popularity has enabled Indigenous singers to demonstrate their poetry and emotional relevance in an art form that now transgresses cultures.
One of the most distinctive, articulate and significant voices to emerge from this genre is Moana Maniapoto, whose politically conscious music has seen her perform at festivals around the globe.
Combining influences with her traditional instruments such as rock, soul, hip-hop and reggae, Moana has created her own stand-out style.
She’s been described as a “truly inspiring performing and recording artist” (The Beat, US, 2006) and has been credited as “laying the foundations for the recent international exposure of New Zealand acts” (Songlines, 2006).
Last year this multi-award winning artist and her band, The Tribe, made their debut Australian performance as part of the Australasian World Music Expo and so enamoured were audiences with her music that less than a year later this enigmatic performer is returning to Oz again.
My mountain meets your mountain, my river greets your river, my tribe greets your tribe – Moana and The Tribe.
www.entertainmentcairns.com/trad-maoricontemporary-event.html

Friday, June 12, 2009

JUICE - Interview

JUICE spoke to one of the many acts that will be gracing the stage of 3-day Rainforest World Music Festival this July. Moana of Moana and the Tribe dished to us about Maori music, New Zealand and her thoughts on pop music.

How has your week been?
Very cold – but family focused as my baby and I are visiting my parents who live in Rotorua, 3 hours out of Auckland.

Nice. So you’re residing in New Zealand now? How are things there?
The news of the last few days have been dominated by an armed siege that has left 1 policeman dead and 2 others seriously injured. That is quite traumatic in a country of our size. We face many challenges here – rising drug culture, violence, poverty, racism – but there are some inspiring people and stories that make NZ a very special country still.

What is Maori music for those who don’t know?
It means different things to different people, but to me, it is music produced by Maori that has a distinct Maori identity to it. For example, it might convey Maori stories, or utilise our beautiful language or incorporate traditional instruments or our indigenous vocal styles. Mine covers all of the above!

Tell us, how did your passion for Maori music start?
It began as a child growing up in a house where my father always had a guitar and ukelele handy, where he was a member of many traditional performance groups and I witnessed him and his 4 brothers sing as part of our tribal rituals. My sister Trina who sings with me was bought up the same way, too. I was schooled at a Catholic boarding school for Maori girls, which is where I learned the art of vocal harmony.

How long have you been in music?
Informally, all my life – professionally, for half of it!

You’ve won so many awards. Which one means the most to you?
Being made an Art Laureate by the NZ Arts Foundation. It was a huge honour, given the calibre of the other Laureates. I still can’t believe it.

Which is your most memorable experience ever as an artist?
Certainly singing in well below sub-zero temperatures in an amphitheater carved out of snow near the Arctic Circle – wearing a padded snow suit, thick boots, sealskin mittens and a fur hat – has GOT to be unforgettable!

Sounds like it. What was it like performing for Nelson Mandela?
Like one of those slow-motion scenes in a romantic movie! He is the outstanding man of these times and all of those in his presence knew we were in the company of a great human.

What do you think of the current pop music chart though?
A lot of it I find very bland, repetitive and uninspiring. Equally, there are some songs big on melody and style that I only wish I could have composed. I prefer to listen to artistes who are off the charts – people who sing in French, Spanish … whose passion and pride in their unique identity is reflected in their music.

You’re 1 half of a documentary team too, how involved were you with it?
My husband is a documentarymaker and he has mentored me into directing. I’ve also produced a couple of small documentaries myself. I find documentarymaking similar to producing an album – it’s all about finding a creative way of telling a good story and pulling a talented team together to achieve a particular vision. It is also an honour to be let into someone’s life, particularly an elder, to document their lives. I love it.

Any good movies you’ve watched lately?
NZ film Rain of the Children, by Vincent Ward. Last week I also watched Defiance and The Band Visit which were both good films too.

We’ll definitely check them out. How’s a typical non-working day for Moana?
Hmmm, as a new mother – I don’t think there is any such thing. But a day of luxury for me would involve sharing a good meal with friends and family - and the ultimate – a massage!

What can we expect from your performance at the Rainforest World Music Festival 2009 in July?
Passion, soul and an insight into being Maori.

Any big plans coming up for Moana and the Tribe?
We are playing in St Marks square in Venice soon, touring Australia, but greatly looking forward to meeting with various tribes and musicians at the Rainforest Festival. It is an honour to be invited to play.

Log on to www.moananz.com to find out more about Moana and the Tribe. Head to www.rainforestmusic-borneo.com to know more about the Rainforest World Music Festival.

http://www.juiceonline.com/features/interview-moana-and-the-tribe/



MP3 Download Links

http://juiceonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/moana-1.jpg

Moana and The Tribe - DOWNLOAD ALBUMS

mp3 download link:
http://mp3.mondomix.com/artiste.php?lng=en-us&id=moana-the-tribe
DRM free - for your personal music collection! - compatible with all digital players!


from:
http://www.moananz.com/popups/audio.html



1. TIHORE MAI

» download sample mp3 (2.15 mb)

2. TAHI
‘proving the beats were there all along…’, TAHI fuses traditional Maori instruments, haka slaps, claps and chanting into a powerful call for unity.
» download sample mp3 (854 kb)

3. TREATY
‘…won’t go away.’ A political anthem that challenges those who refuse to engage in discussions about Maori sovereignty. The actual articles of the Treaty are presented in a haka form, supported by hip-hop artist Bennett Pomana.
» download sample mp3 (897 kb)



4. AEIOU
Promoting the correct pronunciation of the Maori language by using the Maori vowel sounds as a hookline, AEIOU is accompanied by a wonderful music video featuring rarely seen archival footage.
» download sample mp3 (1.76 mb)



5. KAHU
Produced by Neil Finn. Kahu is based on a traditional chant which uses the soaring flight of the hawk and native eagle as a metaphor for the attainment of dreams. Richard Nunns plays an array of beautiful traditional Maori instruments.
» download sample mp3 (744 kb)



6. MOKO
This spoken word song makes the clear distinction between traditional Maori moko, and the simple tattoo.
It explains the meaning behind the patterns and the ritual associated with the practice.
» download sample mp3 (873 kb)



7. ANCESTORS
A full-blown haka accompanies the haunting putorino. ANCESTORS calls for the reclaimation of original, Maori placenames of mountains, rivers, lakes and valleys – names which were repalced during colonisation.
» download sample mp3 (847 kb)



8. HINE
A tribute to Maori women based on an ancient proverb extolling the virtues of Hine Titama, Goddess of Dawn.
» download sample mp3 (861 kb)





2008 Album



Wha

The recent album where Maona explores more deeply traditional rhythms of maori people.
Featuring 2 melodies taken from the archives of Radio New Zealand.

MP3 Encoding : [192 Kb/s, Stereo]

'Wha' is a beautiful work from New Zealand music icon, Moana Maniapoto. In the six years since their last album Moana & The Tribe have been capturing the hearts & minds of international audiences and critics with their breathtaking live performances.

Moana paid her way through law school by singing covers in the highly competitive Auckland club circuit. In 1990, Moana & the Moahunters released the feminist anthem "Black Pearl" which shot to No. 2 on the national charts, earning Moana her first gold. Since then, she has released albums 'Tahi', & 'Rua'. 2002 heralded time for a change where by Moana & The Tribe was formed and have since released 'Toru' (which reached No.17 on the European World Music Charts), the DVD 'Live & Proud' and now in 2008, the latest full length album, 'Wha'.

Moana is a recipient of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to music & Maori, a Life Time Recipient of the Toi Iho Maori Made Mark and received the 2005 Te Tohu Mahi Hou a Te Waka Toi Award from Te Waka Toi (Creative N.Z), in recognition of outstanding leadership and contribution to the development of new directions in Maori art and in 2007 was bestowed the honour of being made a New Zealand Art Laureate.

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).

The exquisite 'Wha' 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 this country'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.

Tracks:
1. He Waiata Aroha na Puhiwahine
2. Titia
3. Whaura
4. Rangikane ana
5. Manawa Tahi
6. Te Apo
7. Te Arawa e
8. Pae o Riri
9. Matakuikui
10. Wha
11. Iri Kura
12. He Waiata Aroha na Puhiwahine

WHA contains 10 new songs celebrating love, protesting against free trade, acknowledging the independence struggle of Timor and paying tribute to Maori soldiers buried in foreign lands. Produced by Mahuia Bridgman-Cooper and Moana Maniapoto, the album was recorded at Beaver Studios. Band members Cadzow Cossar, Horomona Horo, Max Stowers, Ashley Browne and Richard Nunns were joined by vocalists Amiria Reriti and Trina Maniapoto. Scott Morrison co-wrote most of the songs with Moana, all of which are in Maori. The CD also features two brief archival interludes - recordings made in the Western Desert by B Company of the 28th Maori Battalion and a second on an unidentified marae.


http://vertrieb.hoanzl.at/imagebuffer/230333726/7120499-8.JPG

01 - Live in Concert (64 Minuten) Excerpts from a live performance at the Chiemsee Reggae Summer Festival, in Germany 2002, produced by Jürgen Barto (Bayrischer Rundfunk - Bavarian Television)

02 - Our Music (9,40 Minuten) A profile on an artist whose music reflects her homeland of Aoetaroa - New Zealand

03 - My Home (10,14 Minuten) A 10 minute home video about Moana, her tribal roots, her home and her culture

Subtitles: deutsch, italienisch, französisch, englisch, maori

04 - European Tour (35 Minuten) Documenting the impressions and experiences of Moana & the Tribe on their debut European Tour in 2002

05 - Music Videos (31,10 Minuten) A selection of Moana's music videos

Kia Ora! Thanks and love"

buy it here,



Toru


[ Rajon Music Group / Tangata Records / CD - released 26/Oct/1993 ]
Now re-issued, the third album by Moana (of Moana and The Moahunters) was as much influenced by her visits to the Buddha Bar in Paris, as her continuing love of traditional Maori music.
http://www.marbecks.co.nz/detail/index.lsd?catalogID=277448





Rua

Moana and the Moahunters

[ Rajon Music Group / Tangata Records / CD - released 29/Jan/2008 ]
Now re-issued -- the unique sound of Aotearoa, fusing dance music with Maori elements.





Tahi is the Gold selling debut by Moana And The Moahunters. It reflects the unique sound of Aotearoa, fusing dance music with Maori elements.

This is the re-issue of a "classic" New Zealand album "TAHI" (meaning "One"). "TAHI" was originally released in 1993 and was one of the Top 5 selling albums in that year, achieving gold status. "TAHI" contains 14 tracks, featuring Moana's signature hit and Gold selling single "Black Pearl" (reached No.2 in Top 50 Charts). A total of five singles were released from "TAHI" - including the innovative chart hit "A.E.I.O.U." (re-mixed dance version appeared on Moana's follow-up album "RUA") and "Tahi" (which featured a stunning video by Award-Winning filmmaker, Kerry Brown).

"TAHI" also featured guest vocalists Rev Rasul Muhammad from the Nation of Islam in Detroit, Andrew Fagan of the Mockers (remember them!) and guest video appearances by the Neville Brothers. The fabulous backing singers "The Moahunters" were Mina Ripia (of recent WAI fame) and Teremoana Rapley (solo singer and fronting TV's "Mai Time" Show).

An exciting exploration of sound was the introduction of traditional Maori instruments in some songs which was guided by Hirini Melbourne.