A celebration of culture, roots and reggae
When Bob “Nesta” Marley performed his only concert in New Zealand on April 16, 1979, Niuean-Kiwi musician and rights advocate Tigilau Ness was there with his 5-yearold son Che, aka Che Fu.
The pair also met the Jamaican reggae music legend at the Western Springs Stadium concert in Auckland.
Marley, who died two years after his Aotearoa tour, aged 36, has inspired reggae music across the Pacific Islands.
Ness’ band, Unity Pacific, will be joined by three generations of his family to deliver a “heartfelt” tribute to Marley at this weekend’s Pasifika Festival in Tāmaki Makaurau.
The “world’s largest celebration of Pacific culture” is being organised by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited and Pasifika Village Charitable Trust.
The Pasifika Festival began in 1993 and “attracts over 200,000 visitors every year”.
Che Kuo Eruera Ness, MNZM, better known by his stage name Che Fu, is a hiphop, R&B, and reggae artist, songwriter, and producer.
He is also the son of Miriama Rauhihi Ness (Ngāti Whakatere/Ngāti Taki Hiku), a founding member of the Polynesian Panthers.
She died in March 2021 following a short battle with cancer, aged 69.
Pasifika Festival organisers said Che Fu and his son Loxym would deliver a “unique reggae sound” in their tribute to Marley.
“The festival will also host an exhibition of rare photos of Bob Marley meeting local iwi in 1979.”
Eight villages will feature Aotearoa, the Cook Islands, Fiji, Hawai’i, Kiribati, Niue, Samoa, Tahiti, Tokelau, Tonga, and Tuvalu.
While applications for stallholders have closed, organisers said they need more volunteers.
“The festival is free, family-friendly, smokefree, and alcohol-free.
“The iconic festival's eight villages are set to showcase the best of the 11 Pacific Island nations with world-class traditional and contemporary performances, soul food, and much more.
“Your favourite Pacific soul food is all here, with Samoan umu, Tongan otai, chop-suey, kava, pāua rolls, and more.
“The iconic watermelon and pineapple icecreams will also be on hand for a classic sweet treat.”
The Museum of Transport and Technology (Motat) is offering free admission during the festival alongside themed events and activations, giving festival-goers even more to explore right next door to the Western Springs Stadium.
“Enjoy show-stopping performances across the eight stages as talented performers from across the Pacific share immersive fresh beats, as well as all the old favourites to sing and dance along to,” a spokesperson told Stuff.
“Explore, taste, and shop at over 100 delicious local food and independent craft stalls at Pasifika Festival. From 'otai to hāngī, seek out your favourite kai and shop for traditional taonga while taking a break from the actionpacked stage programme. We encourage the use of public transport or alternatives like e-scooter, ride shares, cycling, and walking, where possible.”
Pasifika Festival is held on Saturday, March 9, from 9am to 6pm, and on Sunday, March 10, from 10am-4pm.