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Hero image for Solidarity

Solidarity

Television (Full Length) – 1992

Solidarity follows pioneering New Zealand rappers Upper Hutt Posse after they're invited to the United States by the Nation of Islam. They perform signature song 'E Tū' — about Māori resistance against oppression — and take their message of justice to Detroit community station WDTR. In New York, UHP are interviewed by veteran DJ Imhotep Gary Bryd. Later they meet Abiodun Oyewole, from rap pioneers The Last Poets. This is a street level view of urban artists spreading a message of Indigenous and Black unity, and social justice. Solidarity was directed by Rongotai Lomas and UHP lead vocalist Dean Hapeta.

My conviction that white people had indeed created a discriminatory and unfair society in both the USA and in Aotearoa was reinforced, and to experience firsthand expressions of solidarity was most heartening. I was strengthened irrevocably.
– Dean Hapeta (aka Te Kupu) on travelling to Detroit and New York in 1990, NZ Musician, June 2016

Key Cast & Crew

Generic Profile image for Rongotai Lomas

Rongotai Lomas

Co-Director, Camera Operator

Generic Profile image for Dean Hapeta (aka Te Kupu)

Dean Hapeta (aka Te Kupu)

Co-Director, Camera Operator

Generic Profile image for Clive Broughton

Clive Broughton

Sound Mix

Generic Profile image for Richard Rautjoki

Richard Rautjoki

Editor

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Merata Mita

Executive Producer

See all 7 credits

Produced by

Dean Hapeta

Acknowledgements

Produced with the assistance of the Creative Film and Video Fund of the QEll Arts Council of NZ, the NZ Film Commission  and TVNZ

Music

Music by Dean Hapeta and Upper Hutt Posse

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