Hundreds of fans gathered at the Summer Haze music festival in Tauranga on Monday night to pay tribute to the legendary Philadelphia band, The Roots. Headlining the event at Wharepai Domain, the Grammy-winning group delivered a powerful set, captivating the crowd with their unique blend of hip-hop, soul, and roots music.
Among the performers was New Zealand singer-songwriter Hollie Smith, who took the stage with Kiwi hip-hop collective Home Brew before The Roots. Smith, reflecting on her early career, described The Roots as one of the first bands she worked with after signing to a prestigious New York-based jazz label. She lauded their influence, calling them “the roots of an amazing style of musicality within hip-hop.” For Smith, drummer and frontman Questlove was “one of my idols,” adding, “Acts like this don’t come along very often.”
The performance marked a reunion of sorts for Smith, who spoke fondly of the band’s pioneering role in shaping hip-hop’s musicality. The Roots, who have been integral to The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon as the house band, have built a legacy over decades, and their performance in Tauranga was a rare opportunity for local fans to witness the legendary group in action.
Wellington’s Deva Mahal, a soulful artist with both Hawaiian and Aotearoa roots, was another devoted fan in attendance. Mahal, who has collaborated with The Roots but never seen them perform a full set, was overjoyed by the opportunity. “I’ve been a fan of The Roots for 30 years, and this is extra special because of my connection with Aotearoa,” she said. Mahal noted the band’s staying power and their commitment to authenticity, which has helped solidify their place in hip-hop history.
For Mount Maunganui resident Ayesha Kee, the night was an emotional full circle. Kee recalled attending a Roots concert at Auckland’s St James Theatre while eight months pregnant with her now 19-year-old son. “It was a show you didn’t want to miss,” Kee said, highlighting the impeccable performance of Black Thought, The Roots’ legendary rapper, whose flow was “incredible and on point.”
The festival also featured local hip-hop legends Home Brew, whose lasting impact on the Kiwi rap scene was evident as fans rapped along to classics like Alcoholic. Home Brew member Lui Silk expressed humility at the continued relevance of their music, noting the crowd’s enthusiasm as a testament to their enduring legacy in New Zealand hip-hop.
For both fans and artists alike, The Roots’ performance at Summer Haze was a celebration of hip-hop culture, musical history, and the shared legacy between Aotearoa and the genre’s global influence.
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