Bio

Maika is New Zealand’s answer to Alicia Keys.

Her dulcet tones reflect the influences of soulful rhythm and blues legends like Chaka Khan, Anita Baker and Amy Winehouse.

“Singing is my way of living a genuine life, my self expression,” she says.

Maika is a new Maori singer making waves with a unique style and confident stage presence. She’s been gigging around Wellington on the alternative circuit performing original self-penned English and reo-Maori songs.

“It’s my intention to write songs that uplift the soul, bring hope and provide emotional sustenance.”

Maika began composing and writing her own lyrics as an expression of grief after her father passed away several years ago.

“Writing in Maori is important because sometimes it's the best way to capture a feeling that, if expressed in English, would lose depth of meaning.”

Music for Maika is both personal and professional as she’s married to fellow musician Joe Standeven. They often perform together and his rock grunge influences can be found in Maika’s music.

The Maika EP ranges from romantic slow songstress to kick-ass rock with tight grooves and harmonious runs. The lyrics reflect her iwi Maori influences of Ngati Porou and Te Arawa. She’s also not afraid to write songs about her love for her people, land, sea and sky.

“People, justice, the world, our environment, our Maori view, are things that inspire me. I like to write music that makes you think, inspires compassion, understanding, and carries a message.”

Maika has performed with strong all female Wellington bands and can be heard on iwi Maori radio. She’s delivered stunning solo performances at Maori music festivals and has traded her legal background as a policy analyst for full time working musician.

Following in the entertainment footsteps of Whirimako Black she hopes to perform in international music festivals such as Womad, the Sydney Jazz Festival and Glastonbury.

Band Members:
Mahinarangi Maika (vocals, guitar)
Joe Standeven (guitar)
Audz Hayman (percussion)
Nick Christie (bass)
Andre Braddoc (drums)
Chris Pierce (saxophone)
Ila Scott (backing vocals)

Links

• Artist Website
• Facebook Page