Written by Ngoi Pewhairangi a Maori linguist and music by Dalvanius Prime in 1984, came new Zealands unofficial anthem. In the 80s (and arguably even now), Māori who were living in the cities were often victims of culture loss and systemic racism. Poi E’ is a song that tells their poi to find their way home, which Ngoi intended as a metaphor for being Māori in the city, cautioning them against losing themself and their culture, and to remember where they came from. With the intent and to encourage young Maori of having pride in their roots of being Maori, they used the format of music and sound which was popular at the time and what the young Maori within rural and the Pakeha concrete jungle enjoyed. Record labels turned the song down and so he began his own record company. Poi E is often credited with saving the town of Patea after the main job industry closed, with the Patea Maori club as his production. In 1903 Te Reo Maori was banned from being spoken and many older generations still remember not being able to speak the language, Poi E undoubtedly leaves a lasting legancy on New Zealand and other artists
This was indeed huge in Nz In The 80’s. Poi Are indeed the twirling balls. It was a bit of a simile as I understand it of Maori youth finding their way in a Pakeha world. To promote pride in culture, there was not a lot around at the time. I am prepared to be corrected if I haven’t got it quite right
Brought back memories from back in 1984 it went number one for several weeks.
Written by Ngoi Pewhairangi a Maori linguist and music by Dalvanius Prime in 1984, came new Zealands unofficial anthem. In the 80s (and arguably even now), Māori who were living in the cities were often victims of culture loss and systemic racism.
Poi E’ is a song that tells their poi to find their way home, which Ngoi intended as a metaphor for being Māori in the city, cautioning them against losing themself and their culture, and to remember where they came from.
With the intent and to encourage young Maori of having pride in their roots of being Maori, they used the format of music and sound which was popular at the time and what the young Maori within rural and the Pakeha concrete jungle enjoyed. Record labels turned the song down and so he began his own record company. Poi E is often credited with saving the town of Patea after the main job industry closed, with the Patea Maori club as his production.
In 1903 Te Reo Maori was banned from being spoken and many older generations still remember not being able to speak the language, Poi E undoubtedly leaves a lasting legancy on New Zealand and other artists
poi is a traditional dance using the pompoms on string. Was number 1 1984. Making Maori songs popular in the mainstream and it worked.
Never heard this before, thank you for the reaction! Im not a Maori, but i think the title of the song, refers to what they are twirling...
This was indeed huge in Nz In The 80’s. Poi Are indeed the twirling balls. It was a bit of a simile as I understand it of Maori youth finding their way in a Pakeha world. To promote pride in culture, there was not a lot around at the time. I am prepared to be corrected if I haven’t got it quite right
There are three main islands in New Zealand, the North & South being the largest & Stewart Islands right in the Deep South.
The pompoms are called Poi-s
The men are pulling a Pukana(tounge facials)
3:12😂😂😂😂😂this fulla always made me laugh at this part😂😂😂 3:30 3:35