One of NZs best loved songstresses, singer-songwriter Anika Moa has achieved commercial and artistic success while still retaining her disarming personality onstage. After 12 years in the music business, numerous Apra Silver Scroll nominations, a debut double platinum album with Thinking Room, platinum status with her third album In Swings The Tide, Anika Moa could be termed a minor veteran. But that would suggest she has lost the confessional nature that has become her signature in the world of pop music. She may be turning 30 this year – but as always – Anika Moa lays bare her soul & casts a tender and cheeky grin across every song and crowd. And just when you think you have her nailed, up she pops with a song completely in Maori….

anikamoa.com

Majic Paora is a 15 year old from a musical whanau with roots in the Kaipara – and an ongoing conversation with Rita Marley in Jamaica. In 2012, this young teenager will travel to Tuff Gong Studios, in Jamaica with her dad to begin recording her debut album. A mixture of roots/hip-hop and reggae styles, the C.D will be released under the title Coming to a Town Near You. And she will be, actually. According to dad and manager Ropata, the whanau will be taking their music to marae and venues in small rural towns like Murupara and now, Muriwai. ‘The thing is with Majic and Robbie (her brother), they are still only 15 and 16 so we can’t do the tavern stuff..’ All good for us at Muriwai…

Moana & the Tribe are unmistakenly NZ, proudly Maori. They have taken their eclectic brand of soul, reggae and funk and mixed it up with traditional chants, haka, taonga puoro then wrapped distinctive harmonies around lyrics that speak of home. Yet they have played over 200 performances in places as diverse as Moscow, Istanbul and Berlin with highlights including the Montreux Jazz Festival (Switzerland), Shanghai World Expo (China), Cultural Olympiad (Greece) and the Rainforest World Music Festival (Sarawak). In 2011, the band took their music across Canada, through Europe, around Taiwan and up into the Arctic Circle. With 5 albums and a DVD to her name, Moana launches her new album, ‘The Best Of Moana & the Tribe’ on Feb 6 at Muriwai – her new home.

moananz.com

From the first word of her opening song Nat has audiences falling in love with her rich vocal style. Originating from a musical family, Nat first performed seriously in Japan at the tender age of 18 then went on to tour with the Upper Hut Posse. She successfully completed a Diploma of Music at MAINZ Music College in Auckland in 2000, and since then has been concentrating on developing her vibrant, warm live performance and original song writing. Nat Rose formed the popular band, Lennox Ave, alongside Leon Davies (Katchafire) and Tyna Keelan (Recloose, Dubious Bros). Nat Rose and the band create an original mix of contemporary Soul, Jazz, and Roots. Her lyrics are as heartfelt and positive as she is.. Nat Rose, songstress – and Muriwaiian.
Nat Rose 

Ardijah have proudly taken their brand of Poly-Funk from the streets of South Auckland throughout the Pacific Islands and Australia to the African continent where ‘Silly Love Songs’ was a dance floor hit and #1 on radio stations in Cape Town. Recently returned from New Mexico and Arizona (U.S), this dynamic group fronted by husband and wife team Betty Anne and Ryan Monga have more than to lived up to the promise they showed in 1987 as recipients of the Rheineck Rock Award while they continue to thrill audiences with classic hits like ‘Give Me Your Number, Time Makes A Wine’ and ‘Watchin’ U’ from the platinum album ‘Take a Chance.’ Now even exploring te reo Maori, Ardijah play at the inaugural Muriwai Waitangi Day Festival, 2012. 

ardijah.co.nz

Pacific Curls are artists who best embody the notion of music and culture transcending boundaries till the seams are invisible. They describe their musical collaboration for this unconventional threesome, "We feel a reverence for each other's cultures and explore the places where we crossover;' says Kim Halliday. Ora Barlow adds "people are looking for culture, for belonging, we hope we create that place that embraces us all:' The unprecedented combination of fiddle, ukulele, Mäori traditional instruments, caj6ns, guitar, stomp pedals, percussion and vocals with Iyrics in Mäori, Rotuman and English unfolds a new direction for fusion World Music. Fresh back from Canada and Borneo, Kim brings her international trio back to the west coast and her whanau in Muriwai, for Waitangi.  pacificcurls.com

Maori singer/songwriter Maisey Rika, has one of Aotearoa's most impressive lead vocal style, fused with her honest and thought invoking messages. 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. Maisey won 4 categories at the 2010 Waiata Maori Music Awards including 'Best Maori Female Solo Artist Award' - which she won in 2009 as well.

maisyrika.com

MUZACON is a 5-piece “surfing mad” family band who live at Muriwai Beach and specialise in a unique brand of “Poly-tainment”. This encompasses a fusion of contemporary Cook Islands and Tahitian based beats with a crossover to English reggae, pop and family oriented hip-hop. Their uniqueness centers around their ability to incorporate traditional Polynesian percussion instruments (symphony of wooden drums supported by live cultural performers) with popular mainstream music. Their unique sounds have seen them perform at many public events and social functions all around the North Island over the last 5 years and to date, they have released two albums. Ranging in ages from 10-14yrs, the brothers and sisters (12 in all) of MUZACON are well seasoned entertainers and look forward to sharing their particular brand of “Poly-tainment” at this year’s inaugural Muriwai Festival. Kia oran a.  muzacon.com