Ngahiwi Apanui-Barr: Discovering identity through reggae

11:06 am on 14 January 2024

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Ngahiwi Apanui-Barr, is one of the artists who laid the foundations of New Zealand reggae. His band Aotearoa regularly toured the country throughout the 80s and 90s.

They were highly political, and played an important role encouraging people to embrace Te Reo and Maori culture at a time that wasn't as prevalent as it is today. This is work Ngahiwi continues to this day in his role as the Chief Executive of Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Maori, the Maori language commission.

He joins Susana Lei'ataua to reflect on the band, tour life and our love of reggae. Plus he's bought some great tunes...

Ngahiwi Apanui's playlist for The Weekend:

Ngahiwi Apanui Photo: RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King

Read more about Ngahiwi Apanui over at New Zealand online music archive AudioCulture