Moana & the Tribe were formed in 2002, quickly cementing their reputation as one of the most successful indigenous groups to emerge from Aotearoa. The bands CD Toru entered the European World Music Charts at 17 and followed it up a year later with the DVD Live & Proud (Pirate / SONY Records.).

Described in the US magazine The Beat (2006) as a ‘truly inspiring performing and recording artist’, charismatic lead singer Moana has been credited by Songlines (2006) with ‘laying the foundations for the recent international exposure of New Zealand acts like Te Vaka, Fat Freddy’s Drop and Wai.’