Some have described her sound similar to Tracey Chapman or Sade, with a splash of India Arie. Her spine tingling vocals and fusion of English and Maori (Te Reo) lyrics is capturing the hearts of soul seekers both in New Zealand and abroad.
Maisey and guitarist J.J, have worked to create an original melodic experience backed with strong eclectic messages. A mix of folk, acoustic, soul and easy listening, their musical palette is vibrant with elements of roots and deep culture.
Since the early age of 13, Maisey began singing on stage and in the studio at a professional level. Maisey’s first recordings brought her to stardom with “E Hine”, a classic collection of Maori traditional songs. “E Hine“ went double platinum and also won “Best Maori Language Album” at the New Zealand Music Awards. Maisey was also nominated for “Best Female Vocalist” in 1998 at just 15 years old. Maisey, now in her 20's has released a 6 track EP that charted in the NZTOP40 album charts and is now about to release her much anticipated debut album "Tohu". Tohu, is a collection of 12 songs Masiey has written over the past decade. These originals include tracks such as "Ladeda Day", "Omaio" and "Untouchable", some of these are the very first songs written by Maisey, chosen to illustrate her evolving songwriting style.
Tohu is filled with these touching tales and the universal emotions of hardship, happiness, love, justice and sorrow we can all relate to.
Produced by Mahuia Bridgman-Cooper, this collection explores many different arrangement styles. The ancestral sounds of traditional Maori instruments have been used along side energetic guitars, drums, animated horn sections and pure string sections.
All together, Tohu musically has an organic feel, diverse range with Maisey’s lyrics beautifully fusing this together into a musical journey.
nia
Maisey Rika Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Justice enforce punishment
Too young, a cry her only defence
Nia sets my soul on fire
Justice enforce punishment
Too little seen unknown, known too late
I see red, I see red, I see red, I see red
Oh, do all a favour, throw out the key
On eagles' wings
Lay your body to sleep
On eagles' wings
May you sleep
May you sleep
Nia, te taonga, tangihia
Tiaho mai te pono
Hoki atu raa ki o Matua Tiipuna
Nia, te taonga, tangihia
Tiaho mai te pono
Hoki atu raa ki a Io Matua
I see red, I see red, I see red, I see red
Oh, do all a favour, throw out the key
On eagles' wings
Lay your body to sleep
On eagles' wings
May you sleep
May you sleep
On eagles' wings
Lay your body to sleep
On eagles' wings
May you sleep
May you sleep
I see red, I see red, I see red, I see red
Oh, do all a favour, throw out the key
She's gone to that place
That big wide open space
Never again will she grace us
With her beautiful face
Go to them, go to them, go to them
Go to them, go to them, go to them
On eagles' wings
Lay your body to sleep
On eagles' wings
May you sleep
May you sleep
The song "Nia" by Maisey Rika is a haunting melody that talks about the injustice faced by the innocent. Throughout the song, Rika paints a vivid image of a young girl named Nia, who has been punished by the justice system for a crime she may or may not have committed. The repeated lyric, "Nia sets my soul on fire," brings to life the rage and injustice felt by the songwriter and, in extension, the listener.
The opening verse of the song talks about how the punishment does not fit the crime. Nia's only defense is a cry, and she is deemed too young to understand what has happened to her. The second verse talks about how justice has failed Nia. It is too little, too late for her.
The chorus, "I see red, I see red, I see red," is a powerful outburst of frustration and anger that echoes throughout the song. The metaphor of "On eagles' wings, lay your body to sleep," suggested in the song's outro, may indicate a yearning for freedom and release from the chains of injustice.
Overall, "Nia" by Maisey Rika is a thought-provoking and emotional song that highlights the pressing issue of injustice in society.
Line by Line Meaning
Nia sets my soul on fire
The name Nia has a powerful effect on me and fills me with passion and emotion.
Justice enforce punishment
When someone has done wrong, it is important for justice to be served and for them to face the consequences of their actions.
Too young, a cry her only defence
She was too young to defend herself in any other way and all she could do was cry out for help.
Too little seen unknown, known too late
Despite being known to some degree, more should have been done to help her and it was only realized too late.
I see red, I see red, I see red, I see red
I am filled with anger and frustration over what has happened.
Oh, do all a favour, throw out the key
It would be better to keep this person away from society to prevent them from causing any more harm.
On eagles' wings
A metaphor for going to a peaceful and spiritual place after death.
Lay your body to sleep
A peaceful way of saying 'to die'.
Nia, te taonga, tangihia
Nia, the treasure, mourned.
Tiaho mai te pono
Shine the truth.
Hoki atu raa ki o Matua Tiipuna
Return to your ancestors and parents.
Hoki atu raa ki a Io Matua
Return to the supreme being.
She's gone to that place
She has passed away and gone to the spiritual realm.
That big wide open space
A metaphor for the afterlife, an unknown and vast space beyond our world.
Never again will she grace us
We will never again have the privilege of her presence or experience her beauty and talent.
Go to them, go to them, go to them
Encouraging the departed loved one to join their ancestors and loved ones in the afterlife.
May you sleep
Wishing a peaceful rest and release from any pain or suffering in death.
Writer(s): Maisey Mei-Alicia Rika Copyright: Mushroom Music Pty Ltd.
Contributed by Wyatt B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.