Koki Kiko by Emma Terangi

Pa’umotu lyrics, Koki Kiko, from the album “Belle Epoque 8”.

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The Artist

Emma Mariteragi, known by her stage name Emma Terangi, was born on 18 March 1938 in Hikueru, in the Tuamotu archipelago of French Polynesia.

She came from a renowned musical family: her mother Hiriata Mariteragi was Tahiti’s first accordionist and her elder sister Marie Mariteragi was a celebrated Polynesian singer in the 1950s–60s.

Emma rose to fame as a Tahitian singer and dance revue leader, initially performing alongside her sister Marie in Tahiti before gaining recognition abroad. She performed in Honolulu, then toured major cultural hubs like Las Vegas, Europe, Japan, Hong Kong and across the Pacific before returning to Tahiti.

Renowned for her warm, expressive voice, she authored, composed and recorded many albums, leaving a permanent impact on Polynesian musical culture.

Her standout tracks are Koki Kiko, E Hina, Taku Tamaiti E, Muihu, Hinamoe, O Teni Te Po, Tifai, Pitate and Haere Mai featured in the albums Tahiti Belle Époque 7 Emma and Belle Époque 8, released in 2010.

Emma passed away on 19 February 2000 and is remembered as a “legend” whose joyful laughter and soulful voice deeply touched many.

Mevina’s version of Koki Kiko