Ariana Tikao (Kai Tahu) was a finalist for Best Maori Pop Artist and Best Maori Female Artist at the Inaugural Waiata Maori (Maori Music) Awards in Hastings. She recently received an achievement award from Toi Maori, when she performed at their prestigious event Pao Pao Pao, in the Wellington Town Hall.Ariana Tikao (Kai Tahu) was a finalist for Best Maori Pop Artist and Best Maori Female Artist at the Inaugural Waiata Maori (Maori Music) Awards in Hastings. She recently received an achievement award from Toi Maori, when she performed at their prestigious event Pao Pao Pao, in the Wellington Town Hall.In March 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.

The Christchurch based singer-songwriter comes from a background of years of singing and composing her unique 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.

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 Ngati Ranana. 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. A notable feature of both 'Whaea' and her latest album 'Tuia', is the inclusion of various types of taoka pūoro performed by Richard Nunns. Ariana is also performing this Friday night at the Takitimu Festival in Hastings.

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

Websites: http://waiatamaoriawards.co.nz/pages/index.php?page=home MySpace www.myspace.com/arianatikao
Native Tongue Music Publishing http://www.nativetongue.com.au/ariana-tikao.html

27/11/08