On February 25th-26th, the Pacific’s biggest reggae festival brought together a vibrant celebration of talent and culture. One Love united local and international artists for an unforgettable night filled with music, dance, and performances that moved everyone in the crowd.
As the evening unfolded, it became clear that One Love was more than just a music festival—it was a powerful gathering of community and culture. Fans and families came together, singing along to familiar songs and immersing themselves in the atmosphere. The overwhelming sense of pride in Polynesian heritage was undeniable, highlighting how music and dance serve as bridges across generations and borders.
Reggae, which originated in Jamaica, has long spoken to the struggles of marginalized communities, addressing themes of colonial history, justice, and resistance. These themes strongly resonate with many Polynesians, particularly in the fight for land rights, cultural preservation, and social justice. The genre has become a powerful tool for Polynesian communities to express their realities and strengthen their identity.
Over time, reggae has deeply intertwined with the Pacific, evolving into its own unique sound known as Island Reggae. Influential artists like Maoli, J Boog, Fiji, and Spawnbreezie have infused reggae with Polynesian rhythms, language, and storytelling, creating a genre that feels deeply connected to their heritage. Alongside this, Roots Reggae has been embraced by artists such as House of Shem, Katchafire, and 1814, further solidifying reggae’s presence in the Pacific music scene.
The fusion of sounds in Polynesian reggae is deeply influenced by the legacy of Indigenous Jamaican artists like Bob Marley, who introduced not only reggae but also Rastafari. In Aotearoa, Rastafarian culture resonated strongly with Māori traditions, particularly within groups like Ngāti Dread, whose beliefs aligned with the teachings of Te Kooti- Ringatū, and Rastafari. This cultural connection has made reggae a vital part of Māori and New Zealand identity, seamlessly blending Indigenous values and traditions with Rasta philosophies.
Reggae is deeply woven into Pacific identity and culture. Rooted in our history and Indigenous connections, One Love has emerged as a powerful expression of the relationships and influences that have shaped our journey over time.
Festival Highlights
- Tree’s Performance: Tree opened One Love with a stunning Siva Samoa, accompanied by @tuigadanceacademy, seamlessly blending traditional dance with her music. Her performance set the perfect tone for the festival, embracing her roots while showcasing her values as both an artist and a community member.
- Fiji’s Showcase: Fiji delivered a powerful set, featuring three male dancers performing a traditional Fijian Meke in tribute to his roots. His performance took the audience on a nostalgic journey, singing beloved classics that resonated deeply with fans. Closing the night with a special moment, he brought all artists and the team together on stage for a heartfelt rendition of One Love by Uncle Bob, uniting everyone in song.
- Corella’s Advocacy: Corella used their platform to make a powerful statement, delivering a haka in support of important political issues. Paying tribute to politician Hana Rawhiti, they aligned their performance with her mahi, creating a moment of deep pride for Māori. It was not just a celebration of identity but also a call for awareness, using music to share love, unity (kotahitanga), and the realities Māori face today.
- Maoli: Having warmed up the previous night in Pukekohe, Maoli’s fans were eager to see him take the stage as the first night’s main headliner. His set was the perfect way to close the evening, blending country and reggae anthems that had the crowd singing along in full voice. The energy of his performance radiated love and connection, leaving everyone on a high as the night came to an end.
- Layzie Bone: He showed his love and support for Polynesian artists at the festival, offering heartfelt shoutouts during his time here. Draped in the Māori Tino Rangatiratanga flag, he delivered a powerful message about Bone Thugs-N-Harmony’s mission to spread love, perfectly aligning with the theme of One Love. The crowd was fully engaged, and the moment felt like a nostalgic trip down memory lane—a true blast from the past, all foe the love of the music.
One Love was more than just a festival—it was an immersive experience. A tribute to identity, unity, and the evolution of Polynesian music, highlighting that reggae is more than just a genre—it is a movement that continues to inspire, uplift, and bring together communities across the Pacific.
A big thank you to Pato & Kirsten for allowing PMN+ to be a part of One Love. We also appreciate Justice (@ucecanon206) and Tee (@polynesian_priestess) for being an integral part of the media team.
Images provided by the featured individuals or sourced from their public social media profiles and online platforms. All rights remain with the original creators. Originally published in PMN+ Magazine, February 2025 (Vol. 2 No. 2).
February 2025 · Digital Magazine
