item details
Maui Records; publisher; 1983
Overview
This is significant because 'Poi E' was a big hit in New Zealand in 1984, when it was number one for four weeks. However, it was not just pop for the sake of it. Poi E was written in 1982 as a way to instil pride into Maori youth, in a way that that they could relate to. It was written by linguist Ngoi Pewhairangi with music by Dalvanius Prime. Because record companies weren’t interested in the song. Prime formed his own label to record 'Poi E' in late 1983. The Patea Maori Club provided the vocals.