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/
Kotahitanga
Anika Moa Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Papatuanuku
Aotearoa
Kotahitanga
Our strange delight
Is to have our lovers tight
Is to have our lovers tight
The lyrics of Anika Moa's song "Kotahitanga" portray a deep connection with the cultural and spiritual foundations of New Zealand. The first line "He rangi," which translates to "a sky" in English, represents the vastness of the universe and the infinite possibilities it holds. This is followed by "Papatuanuku," which means "Mother Earth." It signifies a deep reverence and respect for nature and its vital role in sustaining life. The next line, "Aotearoa," is the Maori name for New Zealand, emphasizing the importance of cultural identity and heritage. Lastly, "Kotahitanga" refers to unity, coming together as one people, one nation, and one world.
In the second part of the lyrics, "Our strange delight," the song takes a more personal turn. It speaks about the joy and intimacy derived from being close to loved ones. However, this refrain can also be interpreted as a reference to the collective sense of community and togetherness that is so integral to Maori culture. The song thus weaves together personal and collective elements, highlighting how the two are interconnected and interdependent.
Line by Line Meaning
He rangi
The sky above
Papatuanuku
The earth below
Aotearoa
New Zealand
Kotahitanga
Unity
Our strange delight
Our unusual joy
Is to have our lovers tight
Is to hold our significant others closely
Contributed by Avery Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Laurence
on In the Morning
What a load of rubbish. The song is about having an abortion and the lyrics are Bleed, bleed, bleed, that's all I ever do. Stupid pc morons