Kāi Tahu musician Ariana Tikao will release Kia Mataara in November – her first new release since her 2012 album From Dust to Light.
The single has been eagerly anticipated by her fans and will be supported by a multi-date November tour of the South Island, Wellington and Auckland, starting on 1 November in Wellington.
The new waiata is dedicated to and inspired by Ariana’s teenage daughter. This beautiful song has at its heart, a call to all young women to, as the title says, ‘be alert and vigilant’ and to be strong within themselves.
“It’s a message to stay true to yourself and stay strong in the face of whatever is to come,” says Ariana.
The first recording of the new single was made at Bob Bickerton’s Nelson studio, as part of a whānau album that Ariana is working on with Solomon Rahui and Holly Weir Tikao, with funding support from the Ngāi Tahu Fund. Some of Ariana’s whānau will also join her on the tour.
November tour details:
1 November Futuna Chapel, Wellington, 6pm (with Amiria Grenell)
2 November St Peter’s Hall, Paekākāriki, 3pm (with Amiria Grenell)
7 November Fairfield House, Nelson, 8pm (with Richard Nunns and Jacquie Walters)
9 November Dharma Bums Club, Blenheim, 5pm (with Richard Nunns)
28 November Orange Studio, Christchurch, 8pm (with Emeralds & Greenstone)
See Ariana’s website for further details www.arianatikao.com
