MEDIA RELEASE • DECEMBER 2009
NEW MUSIC VIDEO FROM UPPER HUTT POSSE

Video: KA WHAWHAI TONU MAATOU
Artist: Upper Hutt Posse
Duration: 4:44
Label: Kia Kaha Productions

Recalling the ‘Battle of Orakau’ in 1864 where Rewi Maniapoto and his allies refused to surrender to the invading British colonial army ‘Ka Whawhai Tonu Maatou’ (We Continue To Fight) is the new NZOA funded music video from local rap pioneers Upper Hutt Posse.

Produced by Kia Kaha Productions and directed by UHP frontman Te Kupu the storyline focuses on ‘Rewi’ (Taungaroa Emile) who becomes possessed by the spirit of a Maori Warrior (Ramm Ahi-Kaa Rameka).

Inspired by the true story of one of Te Kupu’s ancestors who escaped from the ‘Battle of Orakau’ bringing women and children to safety, this determined spirit of never surrendering (even when facing overwhelming odds) is brought to the present day as the Warrior’s world and Rewi’s collide.

A shortfilm and socially relevant music video it’s essentially a wakeup call to Maori and everybody that they should continue to fight against colonial thuggery.

UHP are currently working on two full-length Album’s to be released next year; a live band Album titled “Declaration Of Resistance”, and a bi-lingual dubstep-drumnbass Album titled “Tohe”. A DVD compilation of UHP music video’s spanning the last 20 years including Ka Whawhai Tonu Maatou is also scheduled to be released in 2010.