 Her musical achievements include composing and singing the titles for the acclaimed Television New Zealand series, "The New Zealand Wars", as well as composing with Hori Tait the initial title music for the Māori news programme, "Te Karere".In 1991, she formed the female Māori band Tuahine Whakairo but left in 1993, to start a solo career.Born in Whakatane, Black is of Ngāti Tuhoe, Ngāti Tuwharetoa, Ngāti Ranginui, Kahungunu, Te Whakatohea, Te Whanau-a-Apanui, Te Arawa, and Ngāti Awa descent.