Ria Hall facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ria Hall
Hall in 2016
Background information
Born	1982/1983 (age 41–42) Maungatapu, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand
Origin	Tauranga, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand
Genres	New Zealand hip hop * New Zealand reggae * soul * R&B
Years active	2011–present

Ria Hall (born 1982 or 1983) is a talented Māori recording artist, singer, and songwriter from New Zealand. She is also a television presenter and has been involved in local politics.

Ria sings in both the Māori and English languages. Her music often shares important stories about Māori society and history. She has released two solo albums: Rules of Engagement (2017) and Manawa Wera (2020). Her first album, Rules of Engagement, even reached the top of the Official New Zealand Music Chart.

Ria became well-known after performing the New Zealand national anthem at the opening ceremony of the 2011 Rugby World Cup. Her first mini-album, called Ria Hall, won "Best Māori Album" at the 2012 New Zealand Music Awards. She has also won awards like "Best Māori Female Artist" and the APRA Silver Scroll for her song "Te Ahi Kā Pō".

Besides music, Ria has presented TV shows on Whakaata Māori (Māori Television). She has also worked with other famous New Zealand artists like Stan Walker and Troy Kingi. In 2024, she ran for Mayor of Tauranga in her hometown.

Ria Hall's Journey in Music

Ria Hall was born in 1982 or 1983 in Maungatapu, Tauranga. She grew up on a marae (a traditional Māori meeting ground) with her three older sisters. Ria is Māori and is connected to several important tribes, including Ngāi Te Rangi and Ngāti Ranginui.

Early Life and Kapa Haka

From a young age, Ria was involved in kapa haka. This is a traditional Māori performing art that includes singing, dancing, and chanting. She attended Maungatapu School, Tauranga Intermediate, and Tauranga Girls' College. Her interest in singing grew through kapa haka, and she later joined a group called Waka Huia.

One of Ria's biggest musical inspirations as a teenager was Che Fu's 1998 album 2 B.S. Pacific. She admired how Che Fu, who is Māori and Niuean, proudly represented Polynesian culture in New Zealand music.

Starting Her Music Career

In 2006, Ria moved to Wellington to study political science at Victoria University of Wellington. While there, she formed a reggae band called Hope Road. She also started performing with the band TrinityRoots in 2010.

Her big moment came when she sang the national anthem at the 2011 Rugby World Cup opening ceremony. Later that year, she released her first mini-album, Ria Hall EP. This EP was a success and won "Best Māori Album" at the 2012 New Zealand Music Awards.

Albums and Collaborations

In 2013, Ria Hall was a guest singer on Stan Walker's popular song "Like It's Over". She also presented a TV show called AIA Marae DIY on Maori TV from 2012 to 2013.

Her first full album, Rules of Engagement, came out in 2017. This album is a concept album. This means all the songs are connected by a main idea or story. The album tells the story of the Tauranga Campaign, especially the Battle of Gate Pā, which was an important historical event in New Zealand. Famous artists like Tiki Taane and Che Fu helped create this album. Ria won "Best Māori Female Artist" at the Waiata Māori Music Awards for this work.

Her second album, Manawa Wera, was released in 2020. It included collaborations with Rob Ruha and L.A.B. This album reached number 10 on the Official Albums Chart. In 2021, her song "Te Ahi Kā Pō" won the prestigious APRA Silver Scroll award.

Ria has also worked with many other talented musicians, including Hollie Smith and Kings. She has three children and still lives in Tauranga.

Ria Hall's Political Involvement

On May 5, 2024, Ria Hall announced that she would run for Mayor of Tauranga in the local elections. These elections were the first since the Tauranga City Council was suspended in 2021. Ria has always been a strong supporter and advocate for her community in Tauranga, often using her music to share her views. She finished third in the election.

Musical Style and Influences

Hall performing with TrinityRoots, 2010

Ria Hall describes her music as mainly roots and reggae. She also includes influences from ragga, soul, and hip hop music. Growing up, she listened to a lot of reggae, soul, hip hop, and R&B music. Her mother also introduced her to country music.

Ria Hall's Music Releases

Here is a list of Ria Hall's main music releases.

Studio Albums

Extended Plays (EPs)

Singles

As a Featured Artist

Ria Hall has also sung on songs by other artists.

Promotional Singles

Guest Appearances

Ria Hall has also made guest appearances on various albums and songs.