Anika Moa (born 21st May 1980) is a singer-songwriter from Christchurch, Ne… Read Full Bio ↴Anika Moa (born 21st May 1980) is a singer-songwriter from Christchurch, New Zealand.

While still at school in Christchurch, Moa entered the 'Smokefree Rockquest'.
She received a record deal with Warner Music in New Zealand and Atlantic Records in New York. The record company had big commercialized plans for her - which conflicted with her brash down-to-earth personality. Overall Moa did not enjoy her time in America and returned to base herself in New Zealand. Her first album was released in 2001.

She released her second album on August 1, 2005. She has collaborated with many artists including New Zealand's SJD and Bic Runga. She has also joined the band Dimmer, in a backup and touring capacity. She appears on the Greenpeace single "Anchor Me", which commemorates the twentieth anniversary of the bombing of the Rainbow Warrior. She also DJs under the pseudonym DJ Unika.
During September-October 2006 Moa toured New Zealand with just her acoustic guitar, playing at pub venues - almost all of which were sold out.

In October 2007, she released her third studio album, In Swings The Tide. The album was self produced for the first time.

Moa is openly lesbian.

Her website can be found at http://www.anikamoa.com/

E Te Ariki
Anika Moa Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

E te Ariki,
Whakarongo mai ra ki a matou,
E te Ariki,
Titiro mai ra ki a matou,
Tenei matou,
O tamariki,
E whakapono ana matou,
Ki a koe,

Aue!
Aue!
Te Matua
Te Tamaiti,
Wairua tapu e.
Te Matua
Te Tamaiti,
Wairua tapu e.

E te Ariki,
Whakarongo mai ra ki a matou,
E te Ariki,
Titiro mai ra ki a matou,
Tenei matou,
O tamariki,
E whakapono ana matou,
Ki a koe,
Aue!
Aue!
Te Matua
Te Tamaiti,
Wairua tapu e.
Te Matua

Te Tamaiti,
Wairua tapu e.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Anika Moa's song E Te Ariki are a call to a higher power, asking the Ariki (Lord) to listen and look upon us, the children (tamariki), who believe in Him. It is a song that exalts the Matua (Father) and Tamaiti (Son), who are holy spirits (Wairua tapu e). The repetition of the phrase "E te Ariki, Whakarongo mai ra ki a matou" (O Lord, listen to us) and "Titiro mai ra ki a matou" (Look upon us) creates a sense of desperation and urgency, as if the singer is pleading for the Ariki's attention.

Moreover, the phrase "E whakapono ana matou ki a koe" means "We believe in You," indicating that the singer and the children who believe in the Ariki have faith in Him. This line is repeated twice, emphasizing the importance of faith in seeking the Ariki's help. The song's gentle melody and harmonies create a peaceful atmosphere, full of reverence and devotion to the Ariki.

Line by Line Meaning

E te Ariki,
Oh Lord,

Whakarongo mai ra ki a matou,
Please listen to us,

E te Ariki,
Oh Lord,

Titiro mai ra ki a matou,
Please look upon us,

Tenei matou,
Here we are,

O tamariki,
Your children,

E whakapono ana matou,
Believing in you,

Ki a koe,
To you,

Aue!
Oh dear!

Te Matua
The Father

Te Tamaiti,
The Son,