Ardijah

Ardijah
Origin South Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
Genres R&B, funk, Polynesian music, psychedelic folk
Years active 1979–present
Labels PolyFonk Productions
Members Ryan Monga
Betty-Anne
Rico Tali
Kaitapu Monga
Phil Crown

Ardijah is a music group from Auckland, New Zealand that formed in 1979.

History

Ardijah formed in 1979 and spent the early part of the Eighties playing the Auckland Pub and Club scene honing their skills as a covers band. They released their first single in 1986, Give Me Your Number which was followed in 1987 with Your Love Is Blind. This was Ardijah's introduction into the Music Industry where in New Zealand, their popularity was well received.

1987 Ardijah was able to record their debut self-titled album after winning the Rhineck Rock Award ($30,000 towards recording cost) which was released by WEA. From this album came the singles "That's the Way/Give Me Time" and "Time Makes A Wine/Jammin'". The style of the band's sound was "Funk Rock Reggae" which was to change the music climate of the New Zealand music industry, launching the band's profile as one of New Zealand's 1st R&B acts.

A re-vamp of the 1st album came out in late 1988 titled Take a Chance. From this came the singles Watchin' U/Which Way Is Up. Take a Chance held a Top 20 position on the sales charts for four months and achieved platinum status in New Zealand.

In 1990, Betty-Anne (Lead singer) and Ryan Monga (Producer, Musical Director & Bass) along with the Band moved to Sydney, taking their sound throughout the pubs and clubs of Australia.

In 1995, after an extensive touring schedule and some worldwide success with their song titled Gimme Time on the hit New Zealand movie Once were Warriors, the band returned to New Zealand.

In 1997 Ardijah released their 2nd Album titled "Influence" on their own label "PolyFonk Productions" and was distributed in N.Z. on the "Metro Marketing" label. This was the band's small taste of "Independence".

1998 was the release of Ardijah's cover version of the Bee Gee song "Love so Right" which was voted the most played song on N.Z. radio that year. The sound was a mix of R&B and Reggae which opened the flood gates for that style in New Zealand. It also secured a "hook up" meeting for the band with the Bee Gee's themselves.

In 1999 Warner Music NZ released Ardijah 3rd album Time' was released in November. Betty-Anne went on to win Top Female Vocalist at the 1999 New Zealand Music Awards.

In 2004, Ardijah released their 4th album titled "Journey" on their 'Independent label "PolyFonk Prods". The Album went on to win the award for best album at the "Pacific Awards" in New Zealand.

For more history on the band Ardijah, visit their website at: www.ardijah.co.nz

Style

Ardijah call their unique style "Poly-Fonk" and refers to their blending of Polynesian sounds such as Polynesian log drums and ukulele's with Funk and R&B. This can be heard by visiting www.ardijah.co.nz.

Band members

Former members

  • Jay Dee (Guitar & Vocals)
  • Richie Campbell (Drums)
  • James Tuiara (Lead Vocals & Percussion)
  • Paul Drury (Keyboards)
  • Teina Benioni (Guitar)
  • Tony Nogotautama (Vocals & Guitar)
  • Anthony Grey (Keyboards & Vocals)
  • Adrian Grey (Bass)
  • Peter Hoera (Bass)
  • Brinnie Nepia (Bass)
  • Simon Lynch (Keyboards)
  • Daniel Waho (Sax & Vocals)
  • Barbara Griffen (Keyboards & Vocals)
  • Neville Schwabe (Saxophone, Flute, Trumpet & Electric Wind Instrument)
  • Paul Norman (Trumpet)
  • Brent Turner (Keyboards & Sax)
  • Anita Schwabe (Keyboards)
  • Trevor Collings (Guitar)
  • Louise Hughs (Guitar)
  • Kelly Kahukiwa (Sax)
  • Eddie Manukau (Guitar)
  • Glen Muirhead (Keyboards)
  • Tim Gaze (Guitar)
  • Chris Kamzelas (Guitar)
  • John Carson (Drums)
  • Heba Ngati (Percussion)
  • Rick Robertson (Saxophone)
  • Saylene Ulberg (Keyboards and vocals)
  • Robert Wylde (Keyboards)
  • Mark Steven (Keyboards)

Discography

Albums

Year Title Details Peak chart
positions
NZ[1]
1987 Ardijah
  • Label: Warner Music New Zealand
8
1988 Take a Chance
  • Label: Warner Music New Zealand
  • Catalogue: PFPCD003
8
1996 Influence
  • Label: Poly Fonk productions
  • Catalogue:
1999 Time
  • Label: Warner Music New Zealand
  • Catalogue: PFPCD004
6
2004 Journey (Aere'anga)
  • Label: Poly Fonk Productions
  • Catalogue: PFPCD002
2010 The Best Polyfonk
  • Label: Poly Fonk Productions
  • Catalogue: PFPCD008
11
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Singles

Year Title Peak chart positions Certifications Album
NZ[1]
1986 "Give Me Your Number" 15 Take A Chance
"Your Love Is Blind" 14 The Best Polyfonk
1987 "That's the Way" 32 Take A Chance
"Gimme Time"
"Time Makes A Wine" 41
Jammin'
1988 "Watchin' U" 3
  • NZ: Gold
1989 "Which Way Is Up"
"Take Me" / "Thru The Time Door" 12 Influence
1996 "Bad Buzz"
1996 "Oh! Baby" Time
1999 "Love So Right"
"Silly Love Songs" 1
"Do 2 You" 7
"Way Around You"
2003 "Moonlighting" Journey (Aere'anga)
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 "ARDIJAH IN NEW ZEALAND CHARTS". Charts.org.nz. Retrieved 1 November 2013.

External links