Give It A Whirl 5 - Finding Our Own Voice (Episode Five)

Television (Full Length Episode) – 2003

This episode of musical tiki-tour Give It a Whirl explores the diverse pop landscape of the 1980s, when Kiwi bands grew in confidence and a new Pacific identity was born. The "stifling" mood of Muldoonism and the tensions stirred up by the 1981 tour erupt in violent scenes, culminating in the 1984 Queen St riot. Bands like The Screaming Meemees reflect a healthy post-punk scene, while DD Smash continues Dave Dobbyn's winning formula. Herbs deliver politically aware reggae and help Dobbyn hit number one with 'Slice of Heaven'. And Pātea Māori Club bring te reo to the mainstream with 1984's biggest single, 'Poi E'.

Music made for giving, love, respect, compassion. What was Bob Marley's kaupapa? The truth, brother.
– DLT (Darryl Thompson) on Bob Marley, at the opening of this episode