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Upper Hutt Posse | |
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Origin | Wellington, New Zealand |
Genres | Reggae, Rap Fusion |
Years active | 1985–present |
Labels | Jayrem Records Southside Records Tangata Records Universal Music Kia Kaha Productions |
Members |
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Past members | |
Website |
Upper Hutt Posse (UHP) are a New Zealand hip hop group formed in Upper Hutt, Wellington, in 1985. Upper Hutt Posse are one of the earliest New Zealand hip hop groups, known for their fusion of rap and reggae in both English and Māori. Prominent members include DLT, Dean "Te Kupu" Hapeta and Teremoana Rapley.
After signing to Jayrem Records, Upper Hutt Posse released their first single, 'E Tū', in 1988, which paid homage to Te Rauparaha and the Ngāti Toa heritage of the Hutt Valley. Their debut album Against The Flow was released the next year, which brought them international recognition. The group then became closely associated with Moana and The Moahunters, of whom their key member Teremoana was also part of. The group's single 'Ragga Girl' appeared on the soundtrack the film Once Were Warriors in 1994. A new lineup of live musicians produced the 1995 album Movement in Demand, mixing their signature Hiphop style with their reggae roots. Subsequent albums increasingly featured the Māori language, such as Mā Te Wā in 2000 and Te Reo Māori Remixes in 2002, for which they won a Tui Award. In 2007 another 'live' lineup was formed including Maaka McGregor (drums) who had performed live with the group at various gigs since 1995. In November 2018, Upper Hutt Posse were inducted into the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame - Te Whare Taonga Puoro o Aotearoa.