The old is new again

In 1984, an independently produced song shot to the top the NZ charts, remaining there for four weeks. Poi E (lyrics by Ngoi Pēwhairangi and music by Dalvanius Prime) by Patea Maori Club was intended to promote pride among young Maori, particularly in an area, Patea, that had hit hard times.

When mainstream record companies were indifferent to the song, Prime produced it himself. It got very little notice at first, but a TV news report gave it wide exposure and the song not only shot to number one, it became the best-selling single of the year—outselling domestic and foreign songs alike, having spent 22 weeks on the charts. In an industry dominated by imports, that’s no small feat, but the song having been sung entirely in Maori makes its success even more amazing. There’s something quintessentially Kiwi about the “work hard and triumph over adversity” the song’s story embodies.

The video above is the original version of the song. It combines traditional Maori culture as well as what was contemporary 26 years ago. The song’s back in the news because it was featured in the hit New Zealand film “Boy”, leading to a new music video. I watched it over on Stuff (which strangely reported, “The newest version of the Maori classic Poi E was today debuted.” Was it, now?). I wasn’t impressed by the new version, which features clips of the original, some out-takes and scenes from “Boy” as well as new footage. It all seemed a bit disjointed and inauthentic to me. Maybe once I’ve seen the movie I’ll feel differently. As it is, I prefer the original.

Because of the film, the song is back on the New Zealand charts (currently at number 22). I’ve seen it at number one on the iTunes New Zealand chart (it was at number three when I checked tonight). It’s nice when a classic is rediscovered and gets new life.

More about Poi E:

New Zealand Folksong has the lyrics (and translation) and more about the song.

The song is available for purchase from iTunes New Zealand as well as iTunes USA and probably other countries.

Update: Stuff has changed their convoluted wording to read "Watch the latest version of the Maori classic Poi E." My media criticism has such power…