If you are a fan of reggae music then Groove Incorporated’s latest stunner ‘Aotearoa Reggae’ will be right down your alley, and if you’re on the fence about it, then the song might just be what is needed to nudge you over the edge and into the light.
‘Aotearoa Reggae’ is a mini history of reggae in Aotearoa, New Zealand, by Groove Incorporated, a Kiwi reggae outfit based in Auckland and masterminded by producer and ex-club DJ Michael Fredrickson. The jubilant sound of their latest single does a singular job in showcasing all that’s widely adored and timeless about reggae. From the chill beats, addictive syncopation, subliminal blending of brightness with melancholia, ‘Aotearoa Reggae’ is a gorgeously written, played, and produced piece of reggae.
The fusion of the upbeat tonality of the verses and how they melt into the minor key of the chorus make for an intoxicating shift in feel that kept the flow of the song engaging throughout. The lead vocals are youthful and full of soul, and the lyrics that speak of the history of reggae in the region since the 70s and how the Caribbean music style was embraced by the Māori and Polynesian communities are equally informative and heartwarming.
‘Aotearoa Reggae’ is punchy and delightful. A piece of typically colorful reggae that showcases the massive influence of the ethnically Jamaican style of music in the most loving and dedicated of ways.