Dalvanius prime biography of michael jackson

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And there is a lot of talking head material in 2015 when this film was shot – and some enjoyment in seeing some of the people being interviewed in the early 1980s and the older incarnation and in the present.

It should be said that this is not just a New Zealand story but a very Maori story.

The title refers to a popular song, developed by a strong entertainment personality, Dalvanius Prime, Poi E.

it is a blend of traditional Maori music with the popular styles of the 1980s. It was the ‘50s and ‘60s in Patea and the sounds of doo-wop, The Beatles, Motown and Dusty Springfield rang through the quiet streets.

In his youth, Dalvanius had a passion to be a ringmaster. The song topped the charts for four weeks in 1984 and became New Zealand's biggest selling single that year.

The name did not make the birth certificate, but it stuck. Initially, the song was sung by the locals and this developed into the Patea Maori Club, men and women, in traditional dress and paint, the women swaying and playing with their poi, the balls on thread, who toured with the song.

The memories have been preserved, the singers, a dancer with the Michael Jackson-like moves, the television shows, the performances.

It was the first of its kind by mixing both Te Reo Māori and English.

Poi E collaborators Ngoi Pewhairangi and Dalvanius Prime, photographed in 1982.

In 1982 a performance in Ruatoria lead Dalvanius to finally meet Ngoi Ngoi Pēwhairangi. The film brought issues of repatriation and healing to the public eye and to the Government.

“Poi E” took them across the world. Blues & Soul, February 1985

The mid ‘80s saw Dalvanius compose music for two features by Māori film director Barry Barclay. Ephraim wanted to name his son after a fellow soldier, Dalvanius, who had died in wartime Rome. This meeting led to what would be one of the most famous New Zealand songs to ever hit the charts and would change contemporary Māori music for generations to come.

Ngoi Ngoi asked Dal when he was in Ruatoria if he would like to write some songs.

With “Poi E” Dalvanius and Ngoi wanted to give hope and lift the spirits of the community. It’s ours. Dalvanius says that “Poi E” was also a contemporary song written for Māori youth “going through the jungle of the Pakeha”.

Dalvanius released “Poi E” on his own record label, Maui Records in late 1983. With its Hip-Hop beats and a video of local kids breakdancing around their Marae, the song established a Polynesian Hip-Hop scene that persists throughout the South Pacific.

The Patea Māori Club were a youth group drawn from the streets of Patea, a town devastated by the closure of its abattoirs.

His life and work is celebrated in two documentaries: TV's Dalvanius and Poi E - The Movie. He died surrounded by his family singing Poi-E and his tangi was one of the largest in recent times.