SZA Got “Kirituhi” Tattoos to Honor Her Family While in New Zealand — See Photos

If SZA’s music repertoire has confirmed something, it is how deftly she will weave tales in track — however maybe her biggest tales of all are instructed in her tattoos. Whereas backstage at her personal present final October, the star debuted a Morse code “SOS” tattoo, and her newest ink arrived whereas on tour in Auckland, New Zealand.

On April 16, 2024, SZA posted a photograph of her new kirituhi tattoo to her Instagram tales, tagging Māori tattoo artist Leroy Roberts, the proprietor of Maia Ink, who additionally shared it to his IG Tales.

“One aspect represents my mom’s lineage, the opposite my father’s,” SZA wrote within the slide whereas sharing her new ink. Kirituhi, which accurately means “marking the pores and skin,” is used particularly for individuals who aren’t Māori and should not be confused with tā moko.

Each tā moko and kirituhi can maintain significance to the wearer in reflecting their family tree and journey by way of life. Nonetheless, tā moko are tattoos worn solely by Māori, together with the moko kauae chin markings for ladies and facial mataora for males. It is believed that moko is at all times there beneath the pores and skin; it simply takes an artist to disclose it to the world.

Other than getting her kirituhi, SZA is clearly loving being in NZ. At her second Spark Enviornment present in Auckland, the singer opened with Māori artists performing the “Ka Mate” haka. She later carried out “20 One thing” wrapped within the pink, white, and black of the Tino rangatiratanga flag — an emblem of self-determination and sovereignty, captioning her IG story with “Māori to the world.” SZA’s present ended with a Māori prayer, as followers all through the venue took half in sending her off with good needs.