Mixing whanau, whakapapa and whenua, Ariana Tikao’s (Kai Tahu) brand new show 'Ohaki' explores through music, the dying words of her ancestor, Tamati Tikao.
His Ohaki was spoken to his family at Opukutahi, on Banks Peninsula on 27 September 1885.

Mixing whanau, whakapapa and whenua, Ariana Tikao’s (Kai Tahu) brand new show 'Ohaki' explores through music, the dying words of her ancestor, Tamati Tikao.
His Ohaki was spoken to his family at Opukutahi, on Banks Peninsula on 27 September 1885.

Ariana collaborates with taoka puoro legend, Richard Nunns and video artist Louise Potiki Bryant (Kai Tahu) to produce a spellbinding work, highlighting the enduring relevance of her tipuna’s words.

The show will premiere at the Christchurch Arts Festival on 26th July, 5.30pm at the Telstra Clear Club Christchurch. Christchurch musicians Nanako Sato, Argene Montgomery-Honger and Brent Thompson will form the accompanying band, along with support from members of the Tikao whanau.

Ariana is also launching her new single, ‘Te Heke’ to coincide with Ohaki.     

“‘Te Heke’ is a reflection upon whakapapa, and our responsibilities relating to it,” says Ariana. “When we were filming for the new show, I had the amazing experience of holding some taoka made by my tipuna, and in some ways this is what Te Heke and Ohaki are about – re-establishing those connections”.

Ariana comes from a background of years of singing and composing her own style of heartfelt music in both Te Reo Maori and English, beginning with her group Pounamu in 1993. She draws on folk, pop, and jazz, with a strong emphasis on Maori chant.

Early 2008 Ariana released her second solo album ‘Tuia’ meaning 'stitched' – a bilingual album featuring Ariana’s beautiful voice, with production from award-winning producer Leyton – an engaging and gorgeous soundtrack.
Ariana’s debut video ‘Tuia’ created by Louise Potiki Bryant is stunning audiences in 2009 as part of film festivals around Aotearoa. Ariana’s distinctive music style will continue through into the Ohaki show, made possible thanks to Christchurch Arts Festival and the Ngai Tahu Fund.