Niuean Auckland-based rapper Diggy Dupé's defiant performance at Auckland Town Hall acts as a reminder of an iconic moment of 2021, writes Susana Suisuiki.
Diggy Dupé performing at the Auckland Town Hall. Photo: RNZ / Liam Brown
It'd be a remiss if 2020-2021 wasn't synonymous with Bloomfield, traffic lights and of course - who would forget 'Team of five million?'.
But another outbreak occured in the form of some of the most memorable social justice movements that brought Aotearoa to a standstill - Black Lives Matter protest, School Strike 4 Climate movement and the 50th anniversary of the Polynesian Panthers that led to the historic Dawn Raids apology.
The re-emergence of the Panthers shook up everything you thought you knew about the Pacific migration to New Zealand history, cue in TVNZ+ who launched the series 'The Panthers' during 2021's Delta lockdown.
Topping off the series was its firey soundtrack, masterfully put together by Troy Kingi, producer choicevaughan, and rapper Diggy Dupé.
What dominates Dupé's work are references to his Niuean identity, Central Auckland upbringing and social issues which made him the obvious choice to have a prominent role in the series' production.
Having met Dupé briefly at the launch of the documentary series 'Still Here', he was polite and well-mannered not realising this person already had a big following.
Truthfully, I can't recall attending any other Aotearoa hip-hop concerts prior to Elemental Nights and I guess it showed as I wasn't sure what to expect as I glanced around Auckland Town Hall's Concert Chamber hoping to catch a glimpse of someone I knew.
Diggy Dupé performing at the Auckland Town Hall. Photo: RNZ / Liam Brown
However, whatever expectations Dupé's fans for his live concert - they weren't disappointed. Despite a 20-minute late start, Dupé made up for it by bursting on stage with an energy that kept the crowd wanting more. Even I found myself nodding my head, raising my hands and 'cheehooing' at the mere mention of Niue & Samoa.
Backed by a drummer, keyboardist, bassist and DJ, his performance could have easily been snuffed out but not once did the rapper cower and at times it felt like his raps echoed.
Addressing the dawn raids and police brutality in one of his sets, blue and red strobe lights began to flicker and boy were those lights strong - not the wisest production choice considering if someone in the crowd was photosensitive.
Fortunately, his 'heavy-handed rap' sets were followed by songs he dubbed as 'smooth and chilled' which were well received. Speaking to the crowd in between his performances, Dupé encouraged everyone to stay strong in times of adversity - whoever I met at the 'Still Here' launch was a totally different person. That's when he unleashed 'Ulu Up' (Head up).
Diggy Dupé performing at the Auckland Town Hall. Photo: RNZ / Liam Brown
The friends that Dupé brought on stage included Melodownz, two members of SWIDT and other artists who I wasn't well-versed with. Their presence was also well received by the crowd who equally cheered them on although Dupé's larger-than-life demeanor could have single-handedly carried the entire concert.
During the last performance, the crowd jumped and knew word-for-word the lyrics to his performance. The ground almost felt like it was shaking, it was terrifying but captivating at the same time. Unsurprisingly, as soon as Dupé finished, bid his farewell and exited the stage, concert goers chanted 'DIGGY, DIGGY'.
Emerging back on the stage, Dupé cheekily quipped 'you guys just can't give me a break eh," followed by his very (for real) last performance to his hit single 'That's Team'.