Wha

[ Black Pearl Records New Zraland / CD ]

Release Date: Monday, 12 May, 2008

'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