Ode to old masters

The Polynesian sound and Auckland's ska-punk scene are remembered in new releases.

- GRAHAM REID

When the Polynesian artists of South Auckland arrived back in their hometown at the end of an unprecedented national tour 30 years ago, the prime mover, Phil Fuemana, was in an ebullient mood. The milestone album Proud: An Urban Pacific Streetsoul Compilation had sprung Sisters Underground's hit In the Neighbourhood and people were discovering this new sound from an unexpected source.

But Fuemana looked to the future.

"These young people have blossomed on the tour," he told me. "We just need to get more videos on television to show the talent and colour out there. Everyone knows the brown boys and girls have these great voices but our music scene currently doesn't reflect that.