Week 2:A Son of Polynesia

Recently, critically acclaimed film maker Taika Waititi made some interesting comments about his views on the state of New-Zealand. He said, “I think New Zealand is the best place on the planet, but it's a racist place. People just flat-out refuse to pronounce Maori names properly.”,"There's still profiling when it comes to Polynesians. It's not even a colour thing – like, 'Oh, there's a black person.' It's, 'If you're Poly then you're getting profiled’.”

In an interview last year with One news he spoke about poisoned lakes and water ways, depression rates, suicide rates, child poverty, and the housing crises. All very serious issues in our little green clean nation of Aotearoa. All issues, that have serious consequences on the Polynesian community. There are many issues I could go further into depth, whilst also strengthening Taikas arguement, but the inner Polynesian warrior and advocate will come out, and I dont want to be another person who, “speaks about it, but not doing sh*t about it” type of person.

So Ive found a way to play my part. As an artist, I can channel the frustrations, perspectives and beauty to shed light on whats really going on in the neighbourhood. Make art that will enlighten minds and hopefully get the ball rolling for some.

This week, I was inspired to work on my introduction track titled, the Intro (A son of Polynesia). This track doesn’t go too heavily into any social topics. It has its sprinkles of Polynesian history, genealogy and just down right pride of being brown. In the last few weeks, I’ve gained inspiration from many creative avenues. Music of all genres. The landscape of Samoa and South Auckland. My holiday in Australia and understanding the importance of Polynesian Hip-hop culture. This will be evident upon listening to my EP titled, A Son of Polynesia. 

Ive also been networking since my recent performance on NIUfm's Poly cypher. Ive also been working with other local artists such as the P2P Boys,Rock Solid Visualz,RepFM and rappers such as Samoan heavy spitters, Poetik,King Kapisi and The Gift. Upon listening further into the Hip-Hop scene Ive found other local artists whom projects have inspired my sound. 

North shores finest,Rizvan and the Renaissance music with Neverland. Melodownz with his memoir of hometown ,Avondale, with his project, Avontales. Ive even been captured by Ammonations Blaze the Emperor and H-towns Skateboard and Hip-Hop enthusiast, Raiza Bizas art. 

Of course, I have my inspirations from American Hip-Hop artists Nas, Wu-Tang Clan, Notorious B.I.G,Jay-Z,Jadakiss andThe LOX,  Outkast, UGK, Three 6 mafia, Master P, Slick Rick,Dr.Dre, Kanye West,Jurassic 5, Pharrell and N*E*R*D*;and the Alcoholics. As you can see I have a mixture of conscious, gangsta, and alternative rap in my musical taste. 

My family has been mentioned multiple times, as pioneers into creating who I am as an artist today. I have musicians, singers, artists who can play instruments, visuals and produce beats in my aiga. So, if it hasn’t been made obvious;the reason my art is on a healthy come up, is because I do not expect from other artists, I surround thyself ‘round wavey vibrations. 

Music, (and especially Hip Hop) for me has been deeper than beats and lyrics, the bling or the awards; although its good to be recognised as a universal artist for all walks of life, it aint about all that. Its about living the life of your words and meaning them. Kanye west says on his track, Cant tell me nothing, he says and I quote “say something when you gon’ end up apologising”Im not the type of creative to have regret.

I leave my mark in my songs. As Dalai Lama says "Give the ones you love, wings to fly, roots to come back, and reasons to stay. " That is what I believe my introducing track will do.

 if I work hard enough I could be a timeless classic...



Also you can check this track out on Soundcloud