Week 8: Post-1960s Maori & Pasifika popular music

Question 1

When was reggae first introduced to New Zealand?

Answer 1

1970s - Keskidee tour, Bob Marley tour, “The Harder They Come” film

Question 2

Are New Zealanders big fans of reggae?

Answer 2

Yes! New Zealanders are the biggest consumers of reggae, Maori are the biggest consumers of Marley

Question 3

3 similarities between reggae and Maori/Pacific Islanders’ music

Answer 3

Call & response, offbeat emphasis (2&4), haka beat is reggae-like (polyrhythm, hemiola feel)

Question 4

The main reason why Maori/Pacific Islanders relate so well to reggae

Answer 4

Shared experience of dislocation! (Jamaicans as African slaves, Maori as land was stolen/urbanisation, Pasifika with labour migration) and shared desire to return home to roots

Question 5

Other reasons why Maori/Pacific Islanders relate so well to reggae

Answer 5

Similar cultural practices (dreadlocks and weed), identify with tropical paradise imagery, shared politics (sustainable lifestyle, social equality)

Question 6

Being born with one identify but choosing another later on

Answer 6

Secondary socialisation - more about a sense of belonging

Question 7

Details about Land of Plenty

Answer 7

OMC, hip-hop, mentioned natural and urban places, exoticized representation of Pacific Islanders, taken ironically it is about how hope and opportunity is expected but taken away