Upper Hutt Posse has fused rap, reggae, funk, soul, rock and punk to create seven albums and 20 music videos since forming in 1985. It became renowned for delivering New Zealand's answer to the emerging American rap culture, but blended rap and reggae in both English and Maori.
The four-to-nine piece band, depending on availability, unleashes tracks from its career and latest album Declaration of Resistance on the South Island this month.
Dean Hapeta, also known as Te Kupu, on rhythm guitar and vocals, and brother Matthew Hapeta, also known as MC Wiya, on bass guitar and vocals, remain the nucleus after 27 years.
They will be accompanied on tour by a drummer and saxophonist-guitarist.
Te Kupu said yesterday the band delivered "music with a message" to get people thinking while they were dancing, which was different from the rest of New Zealand's music scene.
"You're only going to hear consciousness rap, with funky music, from the likes of us," he said.
Upper Hut Posse brings The Declaration of Resistance tour to Dux de Lux on Thursday, April 26 at 10pm.
Free entry.
