Born in New Zealand to a French father and an Italian mother, with Polish, Turkish and Siberian roots and a Polynesian name, Vaitea is the living portrait of a citizen of the world. Raised with the love of clever rhymes and a dizzying array of musical styles on rotation in the home, she gradually leaned more to hip hop culture. Writing in three languages, working with producers from different countries, performing with hip hop DJs as well as Jazz and Funk, all these ingredients have contributed to the creation of a very personal style, where she joins dots from spoken word to house, jazz and hip hop...

Take a trip around the world with Vaitea as she releases her new album, Word Citizen. The 12 tracks (36 min, 12 sec) represent a meaty, trippy hip hop experience that you won't forget. From the tongue in cheek 'Intro' to the boppy, catchy closing 'Lovesongs' this is an album that takes its inspiration from so many places.

There are elements of classic '60s Motown at the heart of 'Heartbreaka' and the French language peppers this album but is most notable on the light and bouncy 'Chanthem'. Vaitea's sound is unique - it's her own blend of world experiences drizzled over a hip hop base. If you're looking for something a little different you could do a lot worse than this.

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Nick Smithson