Moana (singer)
| Moana | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Moana Maniapoto |
| Born |
22 June 1961 Invercargill, New Zealand |
| Origin | New Zealand |
| Genres | Pop |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter, Film-maker |
| Labels | Black Pearl / Sony BMG /Ode /Rhythmethod |
| Associated acts | Moana and the Moahunters |
| Website | www |
Moana Maree Maniapoto MNZM (born 22 June 1961) is a New Zealand singer, songwriter and documentary maker. Widely considered as one of New Zealand's most successful indigenous acts, her music is described as a fusion of traditional Māori haka, chants and taonga puoro, with contemporary soul, reggae and classical styles.
Maniapoto was born in Invercargill, New Zealand and attended St Joseph's Māori Girls' College in Napier. She is said to have paid her way through law school by singing covers in the highly competitive Auckland club circuit.
In 1987, Moana released "Kua Makona", as part of an effort to promote moderation to young Maori. The song was produced by Maui Dalvanius Prime and featured in the RIANZ Top 50 singles chart.
In 2002, Moana formed the band Moana and the Tribe which consisted of a large group of musicians and performers with a passion for Maori culture. Since their formation, the band has performed hundreds of international concerts, cementing their reputation as one of the most successful indigenous bands to emerge from New Zealand. Prior to 2002, Moana’s former band, Moana & the Moahunters released two albums, Tahi and Rua. Their song Black Pearl reached no. 2 on the national charts in 1991, earning Moana her first gold.
Moana won the grand prize at the 2003 International Songwriting Competition with her song "Moko".
Moana has been described as ‘music of great depth and beauty’ (New Zealand Herald, 2003).
In the 2004 Queen's Birthday Honours List, Moana was appointed Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit. She is also a Life Time Recipient of the Toi Iho Māori 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 her outstanding leadership and contribution to the development of new directions in Māori art. Moana received a Music Industry Award at the Maori Waiata 2008 Awards, also for her positive contribution to Māori Music.
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