Ariana Tikao
This solo artist combines English chants and moteatea (traditional Maori chants) with the rich sounds of taoka puoro (traditional Maori instruments) to create an ethereal sphere you won’t want to leave.
Ariana Tikao is a singer-songwriter based in Christchurch, New Zealand.
She is of Kāi Tahu (Māori), English, Scottish and Italian descent.
Ariana comes from a background of years of singing and composing her unique style of heartfelt music in both Te Reo Māori and English, beginning with her group Pounamu in 1993. She draws on folk, pop, and jazz, with a strong emphasis on Māori chant.
2008 has been a huge year for Ariana. In early 2008 she released her second solo album ‘Tuia’ distributed by Rhythmethod. 'Tuia' means 'stitched' and is a metaphor for the connections between people, within and across generations. It’s a bilingual album, featuring production from award-winning producer Leyton, whose sparse electronic sound provides an engaging and gorgeous background for Ariana’s beautiful voice.
In March-April 2008 Ariana was Musician in Residence at the Centre for New Zealand Studies, at the University of London, Birkbeck, after being awarded a $10,000 Creative New Zealand. She established music industry links and collaborated with London-based New Zealand musicians, including members of Ngāti Rānana. She was also selected to sing as a featured soloist in the 2008 Montana WOW Wearable Arts Awards in Wellington.
Her first solo album ‘Whaea’ is a celebration of motherhood. It was inspired by her own experiences of becoming a mother. She wanted to share some positive messages surrounding this theme, especially to Māori whānau. The album is all in Te Reo Māori, and more specifically in the Kāi Tahu dialect, drawing upon contemporary music styles such as pop and reggae but with traditional sounds playing a prominent role. A notable feature of both ‘Whaea’ and her latest album ‘Tuia’, is the inclusion of various types of taoka pūoro performed by Richard Nunns.
What others have said about Tuia:
“An amazing combination of roots, electronica and soulful vocals”. Fleur Jack, Tearaway Magazine
“…a magical and at times mystical trip… like being bundled up in a big feather cloak and transported to another world”. Scott Kara, Weekend Herald
“Tikao’s cultural heritage permeates this fine album with the true spirit of Aotearoa” Seth Jordon, Songlines, UK
“Haunting and ethereal. Lovely” Lopa Kothari, BBC Radio 3, UK
PAO PAO PAO
Selected to perform in 2008
Solo Albums
- Tuia (2008)
- Whaea (2002)
You can purchase these albums online at www.maorimusic.com