When the Polynesian artists of South Auckland arrived back in their hometown at the end of an unprecedented national tour 30 years ago, the prime mover, Phil Fuemana, was in an ebullient mood. The milestone album Proud: An Urban Pacific Streetsoul Compilation had sprung Sisters Underground's hit In the Neighbourhood and people were discovering this new sound from an unexpected source.
But Fuemana looked to the future.
"These young people have blossomed on the tour," he told me. "We just need to get more videos on television to show the talent and colour out there. Everyone knows the brown boys and girls have these great voices but our music scene currently doesn't reflect that.
Denne historien er fra April 27-May 3, 2024-utgaven av New Zealand Listener.
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Denne historien er fra April 27-May 3, 2024-utgaven av New Zealand Listener.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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First-world problem
Harrowing tales of migrants attempting to enter the US highlight the political failure to fully tackle the problem.
Applying intelligence to AI
I call it the 'Terminator Effect', based on the premise that thinking machines took over the world.
Nazism rears its head
Smirky Höcke, with his penchant for waving with a suspiciously straight elbow and an open palm, won't get to be boss of either state.
Staying ahead of the game
Will the brave new world of bipartisanship that seems to be on offer with an Infrastructure Commission come to fruition?
Grasping the nettle
Broccoli is horrible. It smells, when being cooked, like cat pee.
Hangry? Eat breakfast
People who don't break their fast first thing in the morning report the least life satisfaction.
Chemical reaction
Nitrates in processed meats are well known to cause harm, but consumed from plant sources, their effect is quite different.
Me and my guitar
Australian guitarist Karin Schaupp sticks to the familiar for her Dunedin concerts.
Time is on my side
Age does not weary some of our much-loved musicians but what keeps them on the road?
The kids are not alright
Nuanced account details how China's blessed generation has been replaced by one consumed by fear and hopelessness.
