Moana Maniapoto: Moana & The Tribe leader on the International Women's Day performance of 'ONO', politics and music

Moana & the Tribe have long been acknowledged for pushing the boundaries of Māori music.

Led by Moana Maniapoto, the band has become one of New Zealand’s most successful Māori bands, creating a fusion of politically charged haka-funk-dub music and performing all over the world.

They’re bringing their global collaboration ‘ONO’ to Tāmaki Makaurau as part of the Auckland Arts Festival, and to mark International Women’s Day.

But this performance is a little bigger than their usual band, Maniapoto telling Jack Tame that she got a bit carried away.

"There is a cast of thousands on stage,” she said.

‘ONO’ showcases the voice, language, and cultures of six indigenous women from different places Moana & The Tribe has performed, and two of the artists are flying in for the performance – Hawai'i's Kaumakaiwa Kanaka’ole and Australia’s Shellie Morris.

“I’m really excited to have them come and join us.”

“It’s gonna be great, and its a celebration of like, mana wāhine and mana reo.”

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