Anika Moa Joins Maorioke

Anika Moa Joins Maorioke

Kiwi music star Anika Moa is in the judge’s seat in the latest series of Maori Television’s popular entertainment show, MAORIOKE, starting Friday, February 19 at 8.30 PM.

The fabulous singer-songwriter joins entertainer Brannigan Kaa and music producer Victor Stent on the judging panel of the popular show that has 30 talented singers compete for the title of te toki o MAORIOKE and a $10,000 cash prize.

Hosted by Cushla Tangaere Manuel and Te Rau Kupenga, this sixth series of MAORIOKE is an elimination battle of the best of the best, featuring past winners and finalists from around the country.

Moa was delighted to be part of the show.

“MAORIOKE was a really choice time for me,” she says. “I got to watch all my cuzzies sing. Tino pai nga waiata!“

Producer Maraki Parata, of Mauri Ora Productions, says Anika’s bubbly character combined with her knowledge of music was a great combination to bring into the show.

“Anika is very much Maori but perceived as mainstream, while Brannigan is very well known in Maori music and Victor straddles both worlds. Between the three of them I think we have a really cool balance.”

First screened in 2003, MAORIOKE is dedicated to finding and exposing local talent.

Contestants, who have come from as far south as Christchurch and as far north as Kaitaia for this series, are carefully selected rather than coming from open auditions, says Parata.

“We deal with the contestants with integrity and we get them to give their very best performance,” he says. “We have no interest in putting weak performances on air.”

Parata says viewers will get more of an insight into the show this time around thanks to a new segment allowing contestants to reflect on what happened the previous week.

“There is definitely drama,” he says. “Fluffing lines in the middle of a song and coming home strong, tears before the judges, there is a lot of emotion.”

Tune in Maori Television on Friday February 19 at 8.30 PM to hear the best new vocalists from around the country hitting the high notes on MAORIOKE.

ENDS

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