Powhiri for Bob Marley

Bob Marley’s sons, Ziggy and Stephen, are to be welcomed to New Zealand in a special powhiri at Auckland Museum on 5 February. The welcome, on the eve of Bob Marley’s birthday and Waitangi Day, will recall the historic powhiri of 1979 that established lasting links between New Zealand, Bob Marley and reggae.

 

Musicians Ziggy and Stephen Marley, alongside Eddy Grant, Shaggy, Arrested Development, Inner Circle and artists performing at the Raggamuffin 09 Music Festival, will attend the powhiri prior to the public opening of the first LATE at the Museum event. The powhiri is to be hosted by Nagati Whatua. Also present will be invited guests and Dilworth Karaka of Herbs, who was involved in the influential welcome for Bob Marley 30 years ago.

 

Bob Marley’s 1979 concert, his only in this country, was a seminal event in the establishment of an indigenous reggae culture in New Zealand.

 

In particular, the powhiri he received left a lasting impression and a strong connection with Maori. In his book Marley and Me, Don Taylor, who managed Mr Marley’s career from 1974 to 1979, recalls the powhiri. "In New Zealand, our arrival was marked by one of the most unusual welcomes we had ever received. A large contingent of Maori met us at the airport and crowned Bob in a traditional ceremony held outside of the hotel… This episode has become one of my most treasured memories of the impact of Bob and reggae music on the world."

 

The first LATE event following the powhiri, called LATE 01: Waitangi Eve, will explore progressive New Zealand identity in a panel discussion moderated by Finlay Macdonald. Music is provided by DJ Submariner in Auckland Museum's Atrium. The evening also features performances by Moana & the Tribe and experimental rock group Little Bushman, hailed as one of this country's most exciting live acts. A cash bar and food are available.

 

The LATE at the Museum series, on the first Thursday of every month, features provocative discussion on contemporary themes, with DJs, bands and artists performing in Auckland Museum's Atrium and galleries.

 

Tickets to LATE 01 cost $15 and can be purchases on the door, online at www.lateatthemuseum.com or by phoning 09 306 7048.