Radio with Pictures - 1985 reggae special

Television (Full Length Episode) – 1985

This Radio With Pictures special captures a mid-winter reggae gig at Victoria University's Union Hall, back in July 1985. Band Aotearoa are up first with a passionate rendition of their anthem 'Maranga Ake Ai'. Porirua's Dread, Beat & Blood give a shoutout to Ruatoria before their song 'Waitangi'. Headliners Herbs steal the night; Keyboardist Tama Lundon croons the tune 'Always on My Mind', drummer Fred Faleauto takes lead vocal on 'We're Crazy Man' and Willie Hona brings his guitar licks and vocal magic to crowd favourite 'Nuclear Waste'. The following year, the three bands would join Ardijah's national tour.

The song was a political protest, a kaupapa Māori driven message that expressed the need for Māori self-determination and empowerment against colonisation and its detrimental effects. It utilised a solid four-on-the-floor reggae beat that rhythmically helped to push the lyrics out. For so many young Māori this waiata has become an anthem against oppression with a message: 'Māori people, gotta wake up, gotta take up the cause'.
– AudioCulture writer Maree Sheehan on ‘Maranga Ake Ai’, the "best known" song by band Aotearoa, 15 September 2001