Pacific Roots South

Pacific Roots South is a series of gigs and events that promote South Island Pasifika and Maori indigenous contemporary music.

PRS at the Dux de Lux will open with Pacific Underground and feature D'sendantz and Vela.

Pacific Underground:
PU's most recent gig in Dunedin as part of the Matariki Events at the Supper Club in Tangente Cafe and at Fetu O Mataliki was in support of Dunedin reggae icons 'Koile, who released their long
awaited EP 'Te Hua'. Fetu O Mataliki was a packed out island affair held at Macandrew Bay Community Hall.

Alongside bands such as the 'Retrophonic Funk Machine' (RFM), and the 'Southern String Band', 'Koile's hardcopy of music launch pumped out Southern music at its best and aptly filled Otago's harbour and Matariki sky with reggae sounds, funk horns and brass laced with island guitars and
ukulele.

PU will bring fresh island sounds from their show 'Island Summer' featuring Pos Mavaega on guitar, singer songwriter Tanya Muagututi'a, Hemi Lesatele and introducing Talia-Rae Mavaeaga.

D'sendantz:
On the verge of releasing their debut single, Christchurch's D'sendantz have built a steady following through regular appearances around Christchurch and a tight sound of original reggae melodies. The strong smooth vocals of singer songwriter Jerry Taukamo is well supported by top musicians Pos Mavaega on Bass, Jason (JJ) Otene on drums, Rob Payne on keys and Marcel Bramao on saxophone and guitar. D'sendantz' catchy hooks and pumping rhythm have a stickability that sends you dancing and singing.

Vela:
To finish the night is Vela who brings a stellar sound that originates from rock blues, played exquisitely by blues and rock icons Fa’amoana John Luafutu (lead guitar /vocals) and Clay Paviel (bass). Their last appearance at the Christchurch ‘I Love The Islands’ Tsuanmi Relief concert at the Westpac Arena last year sent a hush across the crowd as the Jimi Hendrix-like anthems from the seasoned Samoan musicians reminded everyone in the room that the gathering of Pacific musicians nationwide for the Samoa, and the strength of the national network started with people like Fa’amoana whose early connections with the Polynesian Panthers, Pacific Underground and many bands. Fa’amoana is also known as Scribe’s dad

Future Pacific Roots South gigs will be: Dunedin in September 2010 and in Christchurch in March 2011.

Event listed by PUEvents

View their other events or contact promoter