A Tribe Called Red: Nightclubbing Around the World in 90 minutes

Indigenous Canadian duo A Tribe Called Red have been creating some of the most thrilling political work over the last five years and their performance at the Auckland Arts Festival last night was an absolute privilege to witness.

2oolman and Bear Witness brought a powerful, uplifting 90 set that merged a winning combination of wokeness  and uninhibited fun. They effortlessly moved between a variety of international flavours- ska, reggaeton, calypso, dancehall  and their own unique fusion of First Nation music with electronica beats that has been dubbed ‘Pow Wow Step.  It was a lot to take in, but then again, there’s nothing small or subtle about A Tribe Called Red because they deal with big issues.

While it is vital to note that while this is music made by indigenous people for indigenous people, it was also hugely inclusive. The constant interplay between the traditional and the contemporary was meant to unify the audience of all different creeds and cultures and was given a visual representation by the interchanging dancers on the stage- b-boys and girls and a First Nation dancer in traditional garb. As Bear Witness himself said: “Members of the Halluci-Nation are anybody who is willing to accept they need to learn how to treat other people like humans” referencing their third album, 2017’s We are the Halluci-Nation. Indeed, it was this Polaris short-listed album that got the warmest response from the diverse crowd, notably R.E.D  with Mos Def’s question “What streets you from son? ‘Planet Earth.’”  It was music that moved the body and inspired the soul- that was both unflinchingly honest and uplifting.  Within the realms of music theory, it was electronica at its best; noisy, funky and aggressive. Drops were shunned for drums and each song brought together a community of influences from all corners of the globe. The evening demonstrated how protest takes on different forms yet still connects the physically and spiritually displaced. It was transformative, like nightclubbing around the world in 90 minutes.

Aotearoa’s own Dub king Tiki Taane had opened for them with a powerful set.  Like Canada, we have a shameful colonial history filled with cultural genocide that we have only just begun amending, so it was wonderful to see Taane’s use of traditional Māori instruments alongside a loop pedal, guitar and electronic drum kit. Tangaroa was an absolute highlight. The inclusion of Kapa Haka group Te Pou o Mangatawhiri  and Taane’s own father on vocals gave me chills and made me so incredibly proud to be a New Zealander.  Forget Loyal, this should be our unofficial national anthem.

Speaking on an international level, we are seeing yet another generation let down by politicians who extoll the virtues of an isolated nationalism that denies colonial histories while refusing  the entry of refugees.  Here in our own backyard, we are going in the right direction with a step to the left, but there is still much more work to be done on those aforementioned issues. As the wheels of justice seem to turn slower than ever, artists once again shoulder the responsibility to lead the way. The performers last night have been and will be doing just that. It’s up to the rest of us to pay attention.

Kate Powell

Click on any image to view a photo gallery by Eu-Lee Teh: